Videolaryngoscope is not a luxury, but a necessity

Abstract

Tracheal intubation is the technique of choice for airway management. Occasionally, it may be difficult and result in severe complications including increased morbidity and even fatal outcome. Sometimes the planned surgical operation may have to be postponed. The videolaryngoscope allows a good exposure of the glottis, thus making tracheal intubation easier as compared with a conventional laryngoscope. The gadget is little found in Subsaharan Africa due to its high cost. We report our first experience of successful use of the videolaryngoscope in two cases, which had earlier required postponement of the surgery due to failed intubation.