Effect of Head Position on the Success Rate of Blind Intubation through Air Q Laryngeal Mask in Morbidly Obese Patients

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect of head positioning whether neutral or sniffing position on the conduct of intubation through air Q in morbidly obese patients. Patients and method: This study was conducted on 90 patients with body mass index equal or above 40 who were scheduled for surgery under GA and were randomly divided into 2 equal groups: Group N (Gn) in which blind intubation through air Q was done in neutral position. Group S (Gs) in which blind intubation was done in sniffing position. Proper airway assessment of the patients was done. Basic monitoring was attached; Induction of anaesthesia was achieved by Fentanyl 2 ug/kg, Propofol 1.5 - 2.5 mg/kg and Atracurium 0.5 mg/kg. Maintenance of anaesthesia was achieved by Sevoflurane, Atracurium, oxygen and air. When neuromuscular blockade was complete, the head of the patient was adjusted according to their group. The supraglottic device was inserted and connected to capnography, thereafter a well lubricated proper sized ETT was passed through the air Q. We recorded a baseline reading of HR, SBP, DBP, MBP, and oxygen saturation. A second reading was taken after induction of anesthesia, just before intubation. The third reading was recorded after intubation while further readings were measured 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 min after intubation. After ETT removal, we observed the patients in the recovery room at 0, 3 & 24 hours for possible postoperative complications. Results: There was no statistical difference between the two groups regarding the demographic data. Although the intubation in sniffing position has a higher success rate from the first time than the neutral position, the results were statistically insignificant, regarding the mean duration of blind intubation trials through the Air Q and postoperative complications. Conclusion: Although the sniffing position improves glottic visualization, the change of head position had no effect on the success rate of blind intubation through air Q in obese patients.