Background: Fiberoptic nasal intubation (FONI) is an effective technique for establishing airway access in patients with both anticipated and unanticipated difficult airways. Utilization of fiberscope without the use of any facilitating techniques has proven to be a difficult task. In this study we compare conventional versus Nasal- 18 method for fiberoptic nasal intubation.

Aims and Objectives: To compare time for successful FONI in both the groups. To see procedure related adverse effects.

Method: A randomized controlled trial was carried out at our hospital. Fifty patients aged 20-60 years with American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) class I and II undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia were allocated to two groups of fiber optic nasal intubation using either the Nasal -18 technique or the conventional method. In the Nasal- 18 group, a nasal tube was gently inserted into the nasopharynx till mark 18, then a fiberscope was glided over it and advanced through the nasal cavity till the glottis could be visualized. Finally the nasal tube was rolled over the fiberscope. Time from the start of insertion of fiberscope into nares till visualization of vocal cord (T1) and from visualization of vocal cord to complete intubation (T2) was recorded.

Result: T1 values in nasal 18 and conventional group were 33.16±7.96 and 56.76±17.08 seconds respectively [p < 0.05]. T2 duration were 35.16±9.83 and 31.20±6.89 seconds in nasal 18 and conventional group respectively [p = 0.10].

Conclusion: Nasasl- 18 method significantly reduces the time to visualize the glottis compare to conventional technique for FONI. This method should be added as a preferred technique to facilitate FONI.