Laryngeal Morbidity After Endotracheal Intubation - Endoflex-tube Versus Use of Stylet

Laryngeal Morbidity After Endotracheal Intubation - Endoflex-tube Versus Use of Stylet

This study is aimed at reducing the risk of hoarseness and damage to the vocal cords following general anaesthesia. Conventional endotracheal intubation with use of a stylet will be compared with the Endoflex tube. A conventional stylet enforced endotracheal tube is dirigible because of the stiffness gained by the addition of a stylet. In high risk rapid sequence intubation settings the enhanced dirigibility can be crucial, which is why most anaesthesiologists choose to add the stylet in these situations. A new endotracheal tube with a dynamic dirigible end called the Endoflex tube might prove to be a good alternative to the conventional stylet enforced endotracheal tube.

Study hypothesis: The Endoflex tube will reduce the risk of hoarseness after intubation when compared to the conventional stylet enforced endotracheal tube under optimal intubation conditions.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elective surgical patients who require an endotracheal tube during general anaesthesia.
• Informed consent.
• Legally competent.
• Be able to understand Danish and be able to read the given information in Danish.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Planned or former operation in or around the pharynx or the larynx.
• Cancer, infection or sequelae in or around the pharynx or the larynx.
• Use of a stomach tube before or during surgery.
• Suspected difficult intubation.