Comparing the effectiveness of c-mac video laryngoscope™ and reverse sellick's techniques to the blind method for nasogastric tube insertion in anesthetized, intubated patients: A randomized controlled trial

Background

Nasogastric tube (NGT) insertion in the perioperative period is a common procedure undertaken by the anesthesiologist. The conventional technique of insertion is associated with a higher failure rate under anesthesia. Additional maneuvers and instrumentation are required for a successful insertion. In this study, we evaluated the effectiveness of the C-MAC ™ video laryngoscope system with the conventional and reverse Sellick's methods for the insertion of NGT.

Methods

In this prospective randomized controlled trial, participants aged 18–70 years who underwent elective surgeries requiring NGT insertion were randomized into three groups. The primary outcome was the first-attempt success rate. The secondary outcomes measured were the time taken for a successful first attempt, complication rate, and ease of insertion.

Results

120 patients were enrolled in the study. The C-MAC ™ group had a higher first-attempt success rate (95 %) compared to the reverse Sellicks group (77.5 %) and the conventional group (70 %) (P = 0.014). The time taken for a successful first attempt was highest in the C-MAC ™ group (C-MAC vs. reverse Sellick's vs. conventional; 34.71 ± 5.94 vs. 18.66 ± 7.42 vs. 21.06 ± 6.09; P < 0.001). The C-MAC ™ group reported the least complications and had the highest satisfaction rate compared to the three methods.

Conclusions

Employing a C-MAC video laryngoscope for insertion of NGT provides a higher success rate with the least number of complications compared to other techniques.