Comparison of Two Intubation Techniques during General Anesthesia. Laryngeal Mask for Intubation (Fastrach) vs Endotracheal Intubation

Introduction: The American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) has developed in recent years an algorithm to follow in case of presenting a difficult or unexpected airway. In said algorithm various techniques or mechanisms different from direct laryngoscopy are mentioned that can help in a pressing situation. The laryngeal mask for intubation (Fastrach) is a device that has increased its popularity by playing an important role in the management of the airway Objective: To demonstrate that the laryngeal mask for intubation (Fastrach) is a useful device for the management of the airway and that it causes fewer complications than traditional intubation in patients undergoing general anesthesia. Materials and methods: We studied 100 patients of both sexes and ages between 20 and 90 years, physical status ASA I, II and III, scheduled for elective surgery and general anesthetic technique. The time of Fastrach intubation and endotracheal intubation in seconds, hemodynamic and oxygen saturation values and finally the complications during and at the end of the procedure (oral bleeding, mucosal laceration, and impossibility of intubation, odynophagia and dysphonia) were measured. Results: A statistically significant intubation time was obtained with p < 0.05 for the EIT with a time of 25.38 sec ± 13.68 sec and for the ML (Fastrach) of 57.04 sec ± 32.68 sec, the hemodynamic behavior remained practically the same in both cases. Groups and complications presented were more notable in the EIT mainly odynophagia and dysphonia. Conclusion: The use of the laryngeal mask for Fastrach intubation as an alternative in direct laryngoscopy for endotracheal intubation in patients with easy airway is viable, demonstrating fewer complications than traditional intubation, as well as being safe, useful and effective.