Left versus right nostril for nasotracheal intubation

The Effect of Nostril Side on Epistaxis During Nasotracheal Intubation

NA · Seoul National University Hospital · NCT06605989

This test checks whether using the left or right nostril causes more nosebleeds during nasotracheal intubation in adults having elective surgery.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment208 (estimated)
Ages19 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorSeoul National University Hospital (other)
Locations2 sites (Seoul, Dongjak-gu and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06605989 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This is a prospective, randomized controlled comparison of left- versus right-nostril nasotracheal intubation in adult patients undergoing elective surgery. After induction and muscle relaxation, a preformed nasal RAE tube will be inserted 3–4 cm into the assigned nostril and then advanced into the oral cavity, with final nasotracheal intubation performed using Magill forceps. An investigator will inspect the nasal passages with a fiberoptic bronchoscope to record the occurrence and severity of epistaxis. Investigators will compare the incidence and severity of bleeding between the two randomized groups.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Adult patients scheduled for elective surgery who require nasotracheal intubation and do not have severe nasal deformity or active severe epistaxis are ideal candidates.

Not a fit: Patients with severe nasal deformity, current severe epistaxis, inability to allow tube insertion in a given nostril, or those undergoing non-elective/emergency intubation are unlikely to benefit from this protocol.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the result could reduce nosebleeds and related complications by identifying which nostril is safer for nasotracheal intubation.

How similar studies have performed: Previous small trials have compared nostril side and reported mixed results, so the approach is not entirely novel but evidence remains limited.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* adult patients requiring nasotracheal intubation for elective surgery

Exclusion Criteria:

* refuse to participate in the study
* severe deformity in the nose
* current severe epistaxis
* cannot insert the tube into a specific nostril side due to any reason

Where this trial is running

Seoul, Dongjak-gu and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Nasotracheal Intubation

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.