[Use of the gum elastic bougie].

Gum Elastic Bougie (GEB) was originally introduced into clinical practice in 1949 by Sir Robert Macintosh. British anesthesiologists choose this tracheal tube introducer than the malleable stylet to facilitate difficult intubation. However, the bougie may not always be used in an optimal manner in Japan. Especially, it is useful when faced with an unexpected difficult intubation, for example, a Cormack-Lehane grade III view at laryngoscopy. GEB is superior to the stylet for a difficult intubation. It is easy to use, portable, and of relatively low cost. We believe that the GEB is useful in patients with and without difficult airways.