Background: The "BURP" maneuver (back, upward, right lateral, pressure) improves the visualization of the larynx for experienced anesthesiologists during orotracheal intubation in patients with difficult airway. We investigated whether this maneuver has same efficacy for inexperienced residents in anesthesiology.
Methods: We compared the visual condition of the larynx using "BURP" maneuver, back pressure or no maneuver between 37 residents and 16 staff anesthesiologists in 132 patients receiving general anesthesia. Additionally, we investigated the effects of residents' training period on their advancements in visualization of the larynx.
Results: The "BURP" maneuver significantly improved the visualization with laryngoscope. The third month of the training period developed visualization in comparison with those of the first month. The visualization in experiencing 31-35 patients was significantly improved than experiencing 1-10 patients.
Conclusions: We concluded that "BURP" maneuver was effective even for inexperienced residents. More than two months were required for the residents to develop laryngoscopy skill.