Video Laryngoscopy or Macintosh Laryngoscopy: Which One Is More Successful in Patients With Bilateral Mandibular Fractures?

Comparing Video and Direct Laryngoscopy for Nasotracheal Intubation

This parallel group randomized controlled clinical trial compared intubation duration and success using video laryngoscopy (VL) versus direct laryngoscopy (DL) during routine nasotracheal intubation. Fifty patients undergoing oral and maxillofacial surgery under general anesthesia were randomly assigned into 2 groups receiving either VL or DL to facilitate nasotracheal intubation. The primary outcome was the amount of time required to complete nasotracheal intubation. The secondary outcomes included the success of first attempt at intubation and the use of Magill forceps. Results demonstrated a mean time to intubation of 142 seconds in the DL group and 94 seconds in the VL group (p = .011). First attempt intubation success was 92.0% in the VL group and 84.0% in the DL group (p = .34). The use of Magill forceps was significantly increased in the DL group (p = .007). VL for routine nasotracheal intubation in oral and maxillofacial surgery procedures results in significantly faster intubation times and decreased use of Magill forceps compared with traditional DL.

Pyriform Sinus Tract Injury After Traumatic Intubation With Resulting Tension Pneumothorax

Background: Tension pneumothorax is a serious, potentially life-threatening condition with numerous etiologies. Hypopharyngeal injury, a possible complication of endotracheal intubation, can lead to tension pneumothorax. We describe a hypopharyngeal injury that occurred during endotracheal intubation that resulted in tension pneumothorax. Case Report: A 30-year-old female underwent emergent chest tube placement after sustaining an intraoperative tension pneumothorax caused by pyriform sinus tract injury during traumatic intubation for an elective fistulectomy, debridement of a previous fracture site, and removal and replacement of hardware 4 months from the time of the initial injury. A timely chest x-ray aided in the discovery of the pneumothorax. Postoperatively, the patient's tension pneumothorax resolved, her chest tube was removed, and she was extubated during her stay in the trauma intensive care unit. The patient was discharged without any other major complications. Conclusion: Tension pneumothorax is a rare but reported complication that can occur during intubation and intraoperatively. Early recognition of hypopharyngeal perforation is crucial to successful management. Anticipation of a difficult airway can suggest the use of alternative methods of intubation that may reduce the risk of hypopharyngeal perforation.