Effect of C-MAC Video Laryngoscope-aided intubations Using D-Blade on Incidence and Severity of Postoperative Sore Throat

BACKGROUND: Video laryngoscope-aided intubations require less force to align oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal planes to visualize the glottis opening during intubation. AIM: The primary objective of the study was to assess the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST) in patients who were intubated with C-MAC video laryngoscope using D-blade versus traditional Macintosh laryngoscope. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This prospective, randomized, open label study was conducted in a tertiary care institution. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 130 patients undergoing short elective laparoscopic surgeries lasting <2 h were recruited. All patients received general anesthesia as per a standardized protocol. Laryngoscopy was performed using traditional Macintosh laryngoscope in Group M and with Storz(®) C-MAC video laryngoscope using D-Blade in Group V. The endotracheal tube cuff pressure was maintained at 20–22 cm of H2O intraoperatively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Pearson's Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Independent sample t-test were used in this study. RESULTS: As compared to Group M, number of patients who had POST, hoarseness of voice, and cough was significantly low in Group V at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h. Severity, as well as the incidence of all these symptoms, showed a downward trend in both groups with time. Significantly more number of patients in Group M required rescue therapy for POST (44.6% as compared to 7.7%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: C-MAC video laryngoscope-aided intubations using D-blade significantly reduced the incidence and severity of POST, hoarseness of voice, and cough following orotracheal intubation as compared to use of traditional Macintosh laryngoscope.