Conventional & the simple pre-determined length insertion technique (SPLIT) of tracheal intubation: A comparative study

Abstract

Background: The most common cause of mortality and serious morbidity due to anaesthesia is from airway problems. The present study compared conventional and the simple pre-determined length insertion technique (SPLIT) of tracheal intubation. Materials & Methods: The present study was conducted on 84 patients with age between 18 and 60 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status 1 and 2 scheduled for an elective surgical procedure requiring general anaesthesia. Patients were divided into 2 groups of 42 each. In group I patients, conventional flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy was done followed by SPLIT and vice versa in group II. The time taken from the introduction of fiberscope from the incisors to the visualization of glottis (T1), time taken from the visualization of glottis to the passage of fiber‑optic tip just beyond glottis (T2), time from the incisors to pass it beyond the glottis (T3), pre‑determined length, vital parameters were recorded. Results: Out of 84 patients, males were 30 and females were 54. T1 in group I was 14.5 and in group II was 11, T2 in group I was 12.7 and in group II was 8.4, T3 in group I was 22.6 and in group II was 19.3 seconds. The difference was significant (P< 0.05). Conclusion: SPLIT technique found better as compared to conventional technique of tracheal intubation.