COMPARISON OF GLOTTIC VIEWS AND INTUBATION ATTEMPTS IN SUPINE AND 25 DEGREE BACK-UP POSITIONS

Background- Optimal glottic view is a necessity for successful endotracheal intubation and is a cornerstone for general anaesthesia induction. During laryngoscopy, glottis view is dependent on positioning of head and neck. The goal was to compare glottic visualization of Modied Cormack Lehane Grading (MCLS) and Percentage of Glottis Opening (POGO) score, number of laryngoscopy and intubation attempts, use of ancillary equipment for intubation in supine and 25 degrees back-up positions. Non randomized Materials and Methods- comparative observational study was conducted in a Tertiary Hospital, which included 300 patients between 18-70 years, ASA 1, 2, 3, excluding patients with difcult airway, BMI more than 30, undergoing emergency surgery and requiring rapid sequence induction. Group S with 150 patients- Intubation done in supine snifng position, group B with 150 patients- Intubation done in 25 degree back-up position by exing the operating table at the patient's hips, to an angle of 25 degrees, aligning sternal notch and external auditory meatus. Chi-Square test or Fisher's exact probability test as well as independent sample t test were used for analysis. Patients Results- with a higher MCLS and lower POGO score were signicant in group S as compared to group B (P value <0.05, P value <0.05 respectively). Although there was no difference in laryngoscopy attempts (P value >0.05), a signicant difference in intubation attempts and use of ancillary equipment (P value <0.05) was noted. Achieving optimal glottic Conclusionviews are essential, which can be improved using 25 degree back-up position, with lesser use of ancillary equipment.