OBJECTIVE: To determine whether the use of videolaryngoscopy (VL) is more effective than direct laryngoscopy (DL) for orotracheal intubation in obese patients. DESIGN: This is a systematic review and meta-analysis. SETTING: A comprehensive search was conducted in five databases for studies published up to December 26, 2023, using a PICO strategy. Fifteen studies were identified for quantitative analysis and included in our meta-analysis. PARTICIPANTS: The participants of the included primary studies (obese patients). INTERVENTIONS: Orotracheal intubation with videolaryngoscopy or direct laryngoscopy. MAIN VARIABLES OF INTEREST: Videolaryngoscopy, direct laryngoscopy, intubation time, first--pass success rate, minor complications. RESULTS: No significant differences were found in intubation time between VL and DL in obese patients (MD: -4.84
95% CI: -13.49 to 3.80
I CONCLUSION: There are no significant differences in intubation time, first--pass success rate, or complications between VL and DL in obese critical patients.