Comparison of the Nasal Cavity Guidance Methods’ Effects during Nasotracheal Intubation Using a Preformed Nasotracheal Tube: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Nasotracheal intubation is mainly performed to provide a safe airway during maxillofacial surgeries. Several guiding devices are suggested to facilitate nasotracheal intubation and reduce complications. We attempted to compare intubation conditions during nasotracheal intubation using a nasogastric tube and a suction catheter, which are readily available in operating rooms. In this study, 114 patients undergoing maxillofacial surgery were randomly divided into the nasogastric tube guidance group (NG group) and the suction catheter guidance group (SC group). The primary outcome was the total intubation time. Moreover, the incidence and degree of epistaxis, the position of the tube in the nasal cavity after intubation, and the number of manipulations during intubation in the nasal cavity were investigated. The insertion time from the nostril to the oral cavity and the total intubation time were significantly shorter in the SC group than in the NG group (p < 0.001). The incidence of epistaxis was lower at 35.1% in the NG group and 43.9% in the SC group than the previously reported 60–80%, but there was no statistical difference between the two groups. The use of a suction catheter aid during nasotracheal intubation can be used effectively because it shortens the intubation time and does not increase complications.