Application of different methods of tracheal intubation in patients undergoing cervical vertebra surgery

Objective To compare the outcomes of tracheal intubation with different tecniques of maintain axis stability(MILS), fiberoptic bronchoscope(FOB) and blind tracheal intubation instrument(BTII) in the patients undergoing cervical spine surgery. Methods Ninety patients undergoing selective cervical spine surgery were equally randomized into 3 groups of A(intubation with MILS),B(intubation with FOB) and C(intubation with BTII).The events related to intubation were compared among three groups. Results The time spent for intubation in group A was the least among three groups. The success rates of intubation in groups of B and C were 100% and 96.7%,respectively,which were higher than 80% in group A(P0.05).There were no severe complications related to intubation in three groups. Conclusion To reduce the risk for cervical spine injury and increase the success rate of intubation,tracheal intubation in the patients undergoing cervical spine surgery is better to be guided by FOB.BTII can provide a new intubation technique for the patients with cervical vertebrae injury.