Introduction:

The gum elastic bougie or Eschmann stylet is a tool designed to guide intra-tracheal intubation that is underutilised in our setting, despite scientific information confirming that it is highly useful in difficult intubation. This case report describes the clinical use of a simple and practical device that is seldom used on our setting, especially in patients with difficult airways.

Clinical findings

: The case presented is that of a 63-year-old female patient with a history of rheumatoid arthritis and diagnosed with abcesses in the elbow and gluteal region requiring surgical drainage. After the induction of general anesthesia, when laryngoscopy with a conventional laryngoscope was attempted, it was impossible to visualise any of the laryngeal structure (Cormack IV). With the help of the bougie, tracheal intubation was possible on first attempt.

Treatment:

The bougie is a highly useful tool in cases of difficult intubation in anesthesiology services and intensive or emergency care units. However, its use is still not widespread in our setting.

Conclusion:

The bougie or "tactile stylet" is a low-cost, easy-to-use device that is useful as a first choice in the management of anticipated and unanticipated difficult airways.

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