ABSTRACT: This study was carried out to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Shikani optical stylet (SOS) for endotracheal intubation.

METHODS : 90 patients (ASA grade I/II, MPG I/II, age 18-60 years) scheduled for elective surgery requiring orotracheal intubation were randomly allocated to SM (SOS-midline approach), SP(SOS-paraglossal approach), DL (MacIntosh laryngoscope) groups. After a conventional general anaesthetic technique, intubation was performed using SOS or direct laryngoscope. Cormack-Lehane grading, assisting maneuvers, time and attempts of intubation, hemodynamic parameters were noted.

RESULTS : Cormack lehane grading with SOS was comparable to direct laryngoscope.All patients from SP and SM goup required jaw lift maneuvre and those requiring >2 attempts needed direct laryngoscope assistance. 6 and 3 patients from SP group and 4 and 3 patients from SM group required 3 and 2 attempts respectively. Mean intubation time required was ,66.5 sec in SP, 58 sec in SM,and 44sec in DL group. No significant stress response was found in SM and SP as compared to DL group.

CONCLUSIONS : SOS may be considered as an additional gadget in airway management armamentarium. Technical expertise will help to achieve good success rate of endotracheal intubation without significant stress response.