Comparison of Ultrasound and Clinical Airway Evaluation in Predicting Difficult Laryngoscopy (Code-T0171)

Introduction: Predicting difficult laryngoscopy is critical for safe airway management during anesthesia. Traditional clinical assessments, such as the Mallampati score and thyromental distance, are widely used but may have limited accuracy. Ultrasonography, as a non-invasive imaging tool, offers detailed insights into airway anatomy and could improve the prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.

Aims and Objectives

Aim:

To compare the correlation of clinical parameters of airway assessment & difficulty of intubation with USG parameters & difficulty of intubation.

Objectives:

Primary

1. To conduct pre-operative clinical airway evaluation using select variables and find its correlation with Cormack-Lehane Grading.
2. To conduct pre-operative ultrasonographic evaluation using select variables and find its correlation with Cormack-Lehane Grading.
3. To compare correlation coefficients of clinical and ultrasonographic evaluations with Cormack-Lehane Grading.

Secondary

To determine if ultrasonographic evaluation and clinical airway evaluation can be used in predicting difficult laryngoscopy and intubation.

Methods: This prospective study included patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anesthesia. Preoperative airway evaluations involved ultrasonographic measurements, including anterior neck soft tissue thickness and hyomental distance, alongside clinical methods. Laryngoscopic views during intubation were graded using the Cormack-Lehane classification. Statistical analysis evaluated the predictive accuracy of both methods individually and in combination.

Results: Ultrasonography demonstrated superior sensitivity and specificity in predicting difficult laryngoscopy compared to clinical evaluations. The combined approach of ultrasonography and clinical methods significantly improved predictive outcomes.

Conclusion: Ultrasonography is a reliable and effective tool for airway assessment and offers a significant advantage over clinical methods alone in predicting difficult laryngoscopy. Incorporating ultrasonographic evaluation into routine preoperative assessments can enhance patient safety and airway management protocols.

Keywords: Difficult Laryngoscopy, Ultrasonography, Airway Management, Clinical Assessment, Predictive Accuracy, Anesthesia.