Guidewire Use for Nasopharyngeal Passage in Pediatric Nasotracheal Intubation: A Randomized Prospective Study

Nasotracheal intubation (NTI) is a frequently used airway management method in pedodontic dental treatments performed under general anesthesia. However, nasopharyngeal trauma and associated bleeding are common during conventional NTI. In this study, the investigators aimed to examine the effect of angling the end of the endotracheal tube (ETT) by placing a guide wire inside the ETT on nasopharyngeal bleeding.

The patients included in the study were randomized into two groups. In the control group (Group C), NTI will be done conventionally. In the study group (Group S), a guide wire will be inserted into the ETT before intubation and angled 100-120 degrees to the distal end (in the shape of a hockey stick). The angulation will not be sharp but slightly curved and the apex of the angulation will be 2.5-3 cm proximal from the distal end. The ETT will be positioned perpendicular to the face and inserted into the nostril. After the angled part of the ETT passes through the nostrils, it will be directed to caudally according to the angle given to the tip of the ETT. Meanwhile, the ETT will be moved as a whole to prevent the ETT tip from contacting the posterior wall of the nasopharynx. When the ETT tip reaches the oropharynx, the guidewire will be removed and the rest of the intubation will be completed as in the conventional method.