Endotracheal intubation of the morbidly obese is often performed awake. This is performed after topical anesthesia of the patient's pharynx and larynx. There are many techniques used to perform topical anesthesia of the patient's airway, which include aerosolization of local anesthesia, topical application of local anesthesia, and nerve blockade using needles and local anesthesia. Reasons for failure of any awake tracheal intubation technique is excess gagging. The most effective method to adequately anesthetize the airway to decrease the amount of gagging is unknown. The investigators wish to assess if the instillation of local anesthesia soaked gauze next to the peritonsillar pillars will decrease the number of gagging episodes during awake video laryngoscopy assisted tracheal intubation of the morbidly obese.
Who can participate
Age range
18 Years – 60 Years
Sex
ALL
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Inclusion Criteria:
* All morbidly obese patient presenting for bariatric surgery at the Royal Victoria Hospital are eligible.
Exclusion Criteria:
* moderate to severe systemic illness, i.e. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score of 4 or higher
* inability to communicate in English or French
* contraindications to the drugs used in the study
Questions worth asking your doctor
Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.
1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?
Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.
Questions for the trial coordinator
The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.
1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?
A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.
What they're measuring
1
Gag score
Timeframe: 10 minutes
Trial details
NCT IDNCT01790464
SponsorMcGill University Health Centre/Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre