A Study to Predict Difficult Intubation Using Simple Non-invasive test: A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background: Airway Management is prime importance to the anaesthesiologist of all the anaesthetic deaths 30 % to 40 % are attributed to the inability to manage a difficult airway. The various simple bedside predictors of difficult airway like Mallampati test, Upper lip bite test, Thyromental, Hyomental, Thyrosternal & Sternomental distances, mandibular length, Neck circumferences etc. are easy to perform with No extra cost or inconvenience to patients. Aim: To assess the predictability of Upper lip bite test, Hyomental distance, Thyromental distance, Thyrosternal distance & Mandibular length. Objective: 1) To find out the best predictor of difficult intubation amongst the Upper Lip Bite Test, Hyomental Distance, Thyromental Distance, Thyrosternal Distance & Mandibular Length on the basis of the test. Methods: This is a prospective observational study of 110 patients are randomly selected & age caring between 20 to 59 yrs both male and female are presented in anaesthesia of routine per anaesthetic check-up. After from mouth opening & mallampati test which are routinely done airway assessment included ULBT, HMD, TMD, TSD & ML will be done. Results: After analysing study state that the age (P = 0.031) were significant , & sex (P = 0.213) ASA (P = 0.091) were not significant with difficult intubation on the basis of Cormack lehane grading. All these factors were applicant on next set of 110 patients to found sensitivity & specificity to be ULBT ( SE = 50.00%, SP =100.00%), HMD (SE = 10.00%, SP = 97.00%), TSD (SE = 0.00%, SP = 97.00%), ML (SE = 20.00%, SP = 97.00%) & TMD (SE = 70.00%, SP = 85.00%) respectively. Conclusions: Thyromental distance is the most important sensitive factors predicting difficult intubation on the basis of cormack lehane grading in indian patients.