Prospective randomized comparison of endoscopist-facilitated endotracheal intubation and standard intubation for ERCP

Monique T Barakat, Timothy Angelotti, Swarnadip Ghosh, Subhas Banerjee

Abstract: Complex endoscopic procedures are increasingly performed with anesthesia support, which substantially affects endoscopy unit efficiency. ERCP performed with the patient under general anesthesia presents unique challenges, as patients are typically first intubated, then transferred to the fluoroscopy table and positioned semi-prone. This requires additional time and staff while increasing the potential for patient/staff injury. We have developed the technique of endoscopist-facilitated intubation using an endotracheal tube backloaded onto an ultra-slim gastroscope as a potential solution to these issues and evaluated its utility prospectively.