Background and aim: Early detection of complications after intubation is necessary as outcomes can be fatal. In search of an ideal test, we conducted this study under ideal settings to compare the time required and efficacy of airway ultrasonography (USG) vs Capnography with auscultation to confirm correct placement of endotracheal tube after intubation.
Methodology: In this prospective, randomized, comparative study, we randomly allocated our sample population of 130 posted for general anesthesia in elective cases in operation theater into two groups and then used capnography with auscultation for group A and USG for group B to confirm tube placement in the trachea. We compared the efficacy and time taken by the two methods of confirmation. p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: Tracheal USG confirmation time in group B (2.8 ± 1.9 s) was significantly lower than capnography confirmation time in group A (7.5 ± 2.4 s) (p = 0.03). Time taken to confirm bilaterally equal air entry by auscultation in group A and USG sliding lung sign in group B were comparable. Total time taken for confirmation with USG (16.87 ± 8 s) was faster than auscultation and capnography (24.7 ± 10.6 s) but was not statistically significant (p = 0.43). Both the methods were comparable with respect to efficacy.
Conclusion: We conclude that USG is a faster modality for confirmation of correct placement of endotracheal tube compared to capnography and auscultation. Both methods are compared with respect to efficacy.