We conducted a prospective randomised study to compare the intubating laryngeal mask tracheal tube with a standard tube, for ease of tracheal intubation over a fibrescope. Thirty-six patients were investigated, using a sequential analysis technique. Ease of intubation was improved when the intubating laryngeal mask tracheal tube was used compared with the standard tube (p = 0.0009). Median (interquartile range [range]) intubation times (time from the tube's tip being level with the patient's teeth to successful placement) were 1.5 (1-2.3 [1-3]) s when the intubating laryngeal mask tracheal tube was used and 5 (3-7.3 [3-13]) s when the standard tube was used (p < 0.0001).