Transillumination-assisted orotracheal intubation: a comparison of the Bonfils fibrescope and the lightwand (Trachlight)

Background Because the Bonfils fibrescope has a semi‐rigid optical stylet and is similar in shape to a lightwand, we aimed to evaluate and compare the efficacy of transillumination‐assisted orotracheal intubation with the Bonfils fibrescope and the TrachlightTM lightwand in patients with normal airways. Methods As a preliminary investigation to form a basis for later studies, therefore, we performed a randomized, single‐blind study of 300 patients with normal airways to compare the efficiency of Trachlight and transillumination‐assisted Bonfils orotracheal intubation in these patients. In both groups, orotracheal intubation was performed using a transillumination technique. The first attempt and overall success rates of tracheal intubation, the times required, and any untoward effects were recorded. Results Although the overall success rates were similar for Bonfils and Trachlight intubations (97.3% and 98.7%, respectively), tracheal intubation was successful on the first attempt in 87.3% of patients with the Bonfils fibrescope compared with 95.3% of patients with the Trachlight (P