Obstructive sleep apnea in surgical patients and its relationship with difficult intubation: two years of experience from a single center

Abstract Background and objectives: In this study, we aimed to determine the risk of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in patients undergoing elective surgery and its relationship with difficult intubation (DI). Methods: This prospective, descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted between December 2018 and February 2020 in the anesthesiology and reanimation service of a training and research hospital. The study included patients who were ASA I-II, 18 years of age, and older who underwent elective surgery under general anesthesia. A form regarding the baseline characteristics of the participants as well as STOP-Bang score, Mallampati, and Cormack-Lehane classification was used to collect the data. Results: The study included 307 patients. It was determined that 64.2% of patients had a high risk of OSA. The presence of DI (determined by repeated attempts at intubation) was 28.6% in the high-risk OSA group, while there was no DI in the low-risk OSA group. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups in terms of OSA risk according to the presence of DI according to repeated attempts, Cormack-Lehane classification, and Mallampati classification (p < 0.001). Conclusion: Due to the high rate of DI in patients with a high risk of OSA, the security of the airway in these patients is endangered. Early clinical recognition of OSA can help in designing a safer care plan.

Efecto de la maniobra de fijación en línea en la clasificación de Cormack-Lehane / Effect of the in-line fixation maneuver on Cormack-Lehane classification

Resumen: Introducción: El manejo correcto de la vía aérea en los pacientes politraumatizados es crucial, ya que es necesario tener una vía aérea segura y proveer adecuada ventilación sin emperorar una probable lesión medular. Objetivo: Determinar el efecto de la maniobra de fijación en línea (MILS del inglés Manual In-Line Stabilisation) en la clasificación de Cormack-Lehane (CL), así como la correlación con el índice de masa corporal (IMC). Material y métodos: En un estudio descriptivo en el Centro Hospitalario del Estado Mayor Presidencial en la Ciudad de México se incluyeron 56 pacientes con estado físico ASA I a IV. El anestesiólogo realizó la laringoscopía directa bajo MILS y valoró el grado de CL. Inmediatamente después se reposicionó al paciente en posición de olfateo, se efectuó nueva laringoscopía directa y se revaloró de nuevo el grado de CL. Resultados: Los grados del CL fueron significativamente diferentes entre la posición MILS versus olfateo. Los grados de CL fueron en su mayoría altos cuando se posicionó al paciente en MILS (75% de los pacientes clasificados entre III y IV) y disminuyeron significativamente al ser cambiados a posición de olfateo. Conclusión: Se observa mejoría del CL cuando se cambia de posición MILS a olfateo.

Abstract: Introduction: Correct airway management of polytraumatized patients is crucial because of the necessity of securing the airway and providing adequate ventilation without worsening a probable spinal cord injury. Objective: Determine the effect of manual inline stabilization (MILS) on Cormack-Lehane classification and if there is any correlation with body mass index (BMI). Material and methods: In a descriptive study at the Centro Hospitalario del Estado Mayor Presidencial in Mexico City, we included 56 patients with ASA physical status I to IV. The anesthesiologist performed direct laryngoscopy while MILS was performed and observed the CL grade. Immediately after, the patient was repositioned into the sniffing position, direct laryngoscopy was performed, and the CL grade was observed again. Results: The CL grades observed were significantly different between MILS vs. Sniffing position. CL grades were mainly high when positioned in MILS (75% classified as grades III and IV) and diminished significantly when changed to the sniffing position. Conclusion: Improvement of CL grade was observed when changing from MILS to sniffing position.

Difficult and failed intubation in Caesarean general anaesthesia: a four-year retrospective review

INTRODUCTION@#General anaesthesia is associated with higher maternal morbidity and mortality when compared with regional anaesthesia, related mainly to failure of intubation, hypoxia and aspiration. The aim of this retrospective review was to define the incidence of failed and difficult intubation in parturients undergoing general anaesthesia for Caesarean delivery at a high-volume obstetric hospital in Singapore.@*METHODS@#All parturients who underwent Caesarean delivery under general anaesthesia from 2013 to 2016 were identified and their medical records were reviewed to extract pertinent data. Difficult intubation was defined as 'requiring more than one attempt at intubation or documented as such, based on the opinion of the anaesthetist'. A failed intubation was defined as 'inability to intubate the trachea, with subsequent abandonment of intubation as a means of airway management'.@*RESULTS@#Records of 660 Caesarean sections under general anaesthesia were extracted. The mean age of the parturients was 32.1 ± 5.5 years and the median body mass index was 27.5 (interquartile range 24.6-31.1) kg/m2. Rapid sequence induction with cricoid pressure was employed for all patients, with thiopentone and succinylcholine being administered for 91.2% and 98.1% of patients, respectively. There were 33 difficult intubations among 660 patients, yielding an incidence of 5.0%. Junior trainees performed about 90% of all intubations and 28 (84.8%) out of 33 difficult intubations. Repeat intubations were performed by senior residents/fellows (57.1%) and consultants (14.3%). No instance of failed intubation was reported.@*CONCLUSION@#The local incidence of difficult obstetric intubation was one in 20. No failure of intubation was observed.

Uso de dispositivos (hoja McCoy vs videolaringoscopio Airtraq®) en paciente con obesidad con predictores de vía aérea difícil en cirugía general / Use of devices (McCoy sheet vs. Airtraq® videolaryngoscope) in obese patient with predictors of difficult airway in general surgery

Resumen: Se realizó un ensayo clínico controlado, prospectivo, comparativo, aleatorizado, ciego simple. Objetivo: Determinar la correlación y valor predictivo de las escalas de evaluación de vía aérea e intubación difícil, obesidad, hoja McCoy y videolaringoscopio tipo Airtraq®. Material y métodos: 152 pacientes programados para cirugía, con antecedentes de obesidad y factores de riesgo de ventilación e intubación difícil sometidos a anestesia general. Se formaron dos grupos: grupo 1 intubación con hoja McCoy y grupo 2 videolaringoscopio Airtraq®. Resultados: En la estadística de contraste de ventilación difícil se obtuvo significancia estadística con p < de 0.05 para todos los factores, excepto el ronquido. En predictores de intubación difícil, la clasificación de Mallampati y Cormack-Lehane obtuvo p < 0.05, con sensibilidad de 63 y 68% respectivamente, con valor predictivo negativo alto para todos los factores. El promedio de intentos fue uno y duración de 55-59 segundos en ambos grupos. No hubo diferencias con el uso de hoja McCoy y Airtraq®. Conclusiones: La intubación orotraqueal fue exitosa en 97% de los casos gracias al uso de predictores de intubación difícil y de dispositivos para manejo de la misma.

Abstract: A controlled, prospective, comparative, randomized, simple blind clinical trial was conducted. Objective: Determine the correlation and predictive value of the airway assessment and difficult intubation scales, obesity, McCoy sheet and Airtraq® type videolaryngoscope. Material and methods: 152 patients scheduled for surgery, with a history of obesity and risk factors for difficult ventilation and intubation under general anesthesia. Two groups were formed: group, intubation with McCoy sheet and group 2, Airtraq® videolaryngoscope. Results: In the contrast statistics of difficult ventilation, statistical significance was obtained with p < 0.05 for all factors except snoring. In predictors of difficult intubation, the Mallampati and Cormack-Lehane classification obtained p < 0.05, with sensitivity of 63 and 68% respectively, with a high negative predictive value for all factors. The average of attempts was 1 and duration 55-59 seconds, in both groups. There were not differences with the use of McCoy sheet and Airtraq®. Conclusions: Orotracheal intubation was successful in 97% of cases, thanks to the use of difficult intubation predictors and devices for managing it.

Application of transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy combined with pancreatic duct stent placement to difficult biliary cannulation / 中华消化内镜杂志

Objective:To explore the application value of transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy combined with pancreatic duct stent placement for difficult intubation of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP).Methods:A total of 169 patients with difficult papilla intubation who underwent ERCP treatment in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from January 2017 to December 2019 were included. Double guide wire intubation was used in 137 cases and transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy combined with pancreatic duct stent placement was used in 32 cases. The success rate of intubation, intubation time and postoperative complications of the two groups were compared.Results:The success rates of intubation in the double guide wire group and the transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy combined with pancreatic duct stent placement group were 98.54% (135/137) and 100.00% (32/32) ( P>0.05); the mean intubation time of the two groups were 15.69±9.07 min and 17.06±5.79 min ( P>0.05); the incidence of postoperative complications were 25.55% (35/137) and 9.38% (3/32) ( P<0.05), among which incidences of pancreatitis were 5.8% (8/137) and 0 respectively. Conclusion:During difficult ERCP papilla intubation, the transpancreatic precut sphincterotomy combined with pancreatic duct stent placement can yield higher safety and a similar success rate compared with the double-guide wire technique, which is worthy of clinical application.

Effectiveness of simplified predictive intubation difficulty score and thyromental height in head and neck surgeries: an observational study / Eficácia do escore simplificado preditivo de dificuldade de intubação e da altura tiromentoniana em cirurgias de cabeça e pescoço: estudo observacional

Abstract Background and objectives: In this study, we aimed to investigate the predictive value of different airway assessment tools, including parts of the Simplified Predictive Intubation Difficulty Score (SPIDS), the SPIDS itself and the Thyromental Height Test (TMHT), in intubations defined as difficult by the Intubation Difficulty Score (IDS) in a group of patients who have head and neck pathologies. Methods: One hundred fifty-three patients who underwent head and neck surgeries were included in the study. The Modified Mallampati Test (MMT) result, Thyromental Distance (TMD), Ratio of the Height/Thyromental Distance (RHTMD), TMHT, maximum range of head and neck motion and mouth opening were measured. The SPIDSs were calculated, and the IDSs were determined. Results: A total of 25.4% of the patients had difficult intubations. SPIDS scores >10 had 86.27% sensitivity, 71.57% specificity and 91.2% Negative Predictive Value (NPV). The results of the Receiver Operating Curve (ROC) analysis for the airway screening tests and SPIDS revealed that the SPIDS had the highest area under the curve; however, it was statistically similar to other tests, except for the MMT. Conclusions: The current study demonstrates the practical use of the SPIDS in predicting intubation difficulty in patients with head and neck pathologies. The performance of the SPIDS in predicting airway difficulty was found to be as efficient as those of the other tests evaluated in this study. The SPIDS may be considered a comprehensive, detailed tool for predicting airway difficulty.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos: Neste estudo, avaliamos o valor preditivo de diferentes ferramentas de avaliação das vias aéreas, incluindo componentes do Escore Simplificado Preditivo de Intubação Difícil (ESPID), o próprio ESPID e a Medida da Altura Tireomentoniana (MATM), em intubações definidas como difícies pelo Escore de Dificuldade de Intubação (EDI) em um grupo de pacientes com patologia de cabeça e pescoço. Método: Incluímos no estudo 153 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de cabeça e pescoço. Coletamos os resultados do Teste de Mallampati Modificado (TMM), Distância Tireomentoniana (DTM), Razão Altura/Distância Tireomentoniana (RADTM), MATM, amplitude máxima de movimentação da cabeça e pescoço e da abertura da boca. Os ESPIDs foram calculados e os EDIs, determinados. Resultados: Observamos intubação difícil em 25,4% dos pacientes. Os escores de ESPID > 10 tiveram sensibilidade de 86,27%, especificidade de 71,57% e valor preditivo negativo de 91,2% (VPN). O resultado da análise da curva de operação do receptor (curva ROC) para os testes de avaliação das vias aéreas e ESPID mostrou que o ESPID tinha a maior área sob a curva; no entanto, foi estatisticamente semelhante a outros testes, exceto para o TMM. Conclusões: O presente estudo demonstra o uso prático do ESPID na previsão da dificuldade de intubação em pacientes com patologia de cabeça e pescoço. O desempenho do ESPID na predição de via aérea difícil mostrou-se tão eficiente quanto os demais testes avaliados neste estudo. O ESPID pode ser considerado ferramenta abrangente e detalhada para prever via aérea difícil.

Retrograde and Antegrade Intubation: Improvisation of Conventional Technique of Retrograde Intubation in Indian Scenario

To have a definite airway is must in case of intraoral bleeds or long surgeries. Highest challenge of difficultintubation is when mouth opening is nil or it is impossible to relax the jaw even after administration of musclerelaxants. In this study conventional retrograde intubation technique was compared and evaluated with improvisedretrograde and antegrade intubation for securing airway in difficult intubation cases on the basis of efficacyand complication rate. Patients were randomized into two groups of 10 each. They were prepared for awakenasal intubation and were kept NPO overnight with the procedure explained beforehand. Premedication donewith injection glycopyrrolate 0.04 mg/kg IV and injection midazolam 0.03 mg/kg IV. In operation theatrestandard monitoring was done. Induction and maintenance of anaesthesia was done as per routine protocol.Independent observer recorded the time required for securing the ETT from cricothyroid puncture to theconfirmation of tube placement, number of attempts required, any desaturation during the procedure andhaemodynamic changes. Postoperatively assessment was done two hours later for hoarseness of voice, painin throat, coughing, subcutaneous emphysema, assessment for any cartilage injury and/ or local haematomaby an ENT surgeon. During the study, it has been seen that the retrograde and antegrade intubations might bemore efficacious with lower complication rates. Hence this modified technique with improvisation ofconventional technique can be recommended for regular use in Indian scenario.

Case report of anaesthetic management of neonate with large occipital encephalocele

In the present case report, endotracheal intubation in a case of large occipital encephalocele presented for surgical excision was performed. As the management of airway even in a neonate is different and complex as compared to airway of old child and that of adult. It was challenging because of the difficulty in securing airway because of prone position in occipital encephalocele. The major concerns during the operation were to avoid premature rupture of the encephalocoele and to manage a possible difficult airway due to restricted neck movement and inability to achieve optimal position for intubation of the trachea. Continuous monitoring of patient was done during the surgery.

Comparison Of Upper Lip Bite Test And Modified Mallampati Classification In Predicting Difficult Intubation

Introduction : Airway management is of prime importance to the Anaesthesiologist for securing the airway, tracheal intubation using direct laryngoscopy remains the method of choice in many cases. Difficult laryngoscopic endotracheal intubation still remains an important concern of anaesthesiologists. The incidence of difficult endotracheal intubation were reported to be between 1.5% to 13% among patients undergoing surgery. The present study was conducted with the primary aim to evaluate sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value and positive predictive value of Upper Lip Bite Test and Modified Mallampati Classification to predict difficult intubation in patients undergoing any elective surgery under general anesthesia. Material & Methods : A single-blind, Prospective Observational (Analytical) study was conducted in Krishna Institute of Medical Sciences, Hospital and Research Centre, Karad, Maharashtra after the approval from the institutional ethical committee. Asample size of 181 patients of both gender, between 20 and 50 years of age, belonging to ASAphysical Status I-II scheduled to undergo elective surgery under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation were evaluated for both test before surgery after fulfilling the inclusion criteria. A senior Anaesthesiologists having minimum five years of experience in clinical anaesthesia who unaware of preoperative airway assessment, performed laryngoscopy and grading as per Cormack and Lehane's classification. Senstivity, specificity,accuracy, positive and negative predictive values of Upper lip bite test and Modified Mallampati Classification were calculated. Results:We compared various accuracy parameters of both the methods (MMTand ULBT), we observed that MMT(88.23% Vs. 76.47%) has got higher sensitivity, higher specificity of (89.02% Vs. 87.19%), higher positive predictive value (45.45% Vs. 38.23%) and higher negative predictive value (98.64% Vs. 97.27%) as compared to ULBT. Conclusion : In comparison with ULBT, MMT has got better predictive ability for difficult endotracheal intubation. MMT and ULBT appear to be better predictors for easy intubations rather than difficult intubations (high negative predictive value). Combination of MMT and ULBT has got better diagnostic accuracy as compared to MMTor ULBTalone.

Evaluation of Modified Mallampati Score with Neck Circumference and Thyromental Distance to Predict Difficult Intubation in Non-obese Patients

Introduction: Preoperative diagnostic validity of airwayassessment help for prediction of difficult airway. Severalmodels were established for prediction of difficult intubation.In this study, we aim to predict difficult intubation in nonobese patients from various airway predictive indices suchas modified mallampati grade, neck movement (NM), neckcircumference (NC), thyrometal distance (TM), NC/TMD.Material and Methods: Total 121 patients with 18-72 yearsof age, ASA grade I or II, scheduled for elective surgerythat required general anaesthesia. Difficulty of intubationwas assessed using the IDS for each non-obese patient. Thestudy population was divided into two groups Easy (IDS <5)and Difficult intubation (IDS ≥5). Preoperative assessmentsincluded Mouth Opening (MO), modified mallampati grade,neck movement (NM), neck circumference (NC), thyrometaldistance (TM), NC/TMD. Multivariate analysis was usedto predict independent risk factors. Receiver OperatingCharacteristic Curve analysis (ROC analysis) was performedfor the airway assessment tests. The area under curve (AUC)was calculated.Results: The weight (59.74±7.76 kg and 65.00±5.92 kg)and BMI (21.51±1.79 and 23.8157±1.09) were significantlydifferent in between easy and difficult intubation. TheMouth Opening, NC, TMD, and NC/TMD were significantlyindependent risk factor for difficult intubation. NC/TMDwas showed higher sensitivity, specificity, positive predictivevalue (PPV) and a negative predictive value (NPV) with thirdlarge area under the curve (AUC) on the ROC curve.Conclusions: This study shows that the NC/TMD ratio canbe considered as a better predictor of difficult intubation innon-obese patients.

Unanticipated Difficult Intubation in Patient with Undiagnosed Posterior Glottic Stenosis

Posterior glottic stenosis (PGS) is frequently caused by prolonged intubation complications, which may limit the movement of the vocal cords and obstruct airway obstruction. Despite of a life-threatening condition, it might be overlooked in asymptomatic individual. A 63-year-old female was scheduled for arthroscopic rotator cuff repair. The patient had experienced 2 times of intubation and organophosphate poisoning for suicide. Both of 7.0- and 6.5-mm inner diameter endotracheal tubes could not be passed vocal cords. After two failed attempts at intubation, adhesion of posterior part of vocal cord was revealed. We stopped the tracheal intubation and called the otolaryngologist, and adhesiolysis was performed under direct laryngosope. Thereafter, endotracheal intubation was performed successfully with 6.5-mm endotracheal tube.

A study of clinical findings among newly diagnosed TB patients who are diagnosed diabetics under medications

Background: Tuberculosis remains a leading cause of death globally. In 2014 there were an estimated 12.8 million new cases of tuberculosis worldwide. The incidence of tuberculosis is greatest among those with conditions impairing immunity such as HIV infection and diabetes. Type 2 Diabetes mellitus amongst Indians occur a decade earlier when compared to the western population. Indians have more abdominal obesity and the waist-hip ratio. Aim of the study: Clinical findings Among Newly Diagnosed Tb Patients who are diagnosed Diabetics under Medications. Materials and methods: 100 cases of newly diagnosed sputum positive pulmonary tuberculosis with diabetes were fitting the inclusion criteria admitted over the period of 2 years from 2016-2017. Subjects were selected from medicine ward, pulmonology ward andTuberculosis ward under DTC. The diagnosis of Pulmonary tuberculosis was made with clinical presentation and verification by detection of acid-fast bacilli under a microscope. Results: Among the study population, 33(33.00%) were smokers, 38 (38.00%) were alcoholics and 9 (9.00%) were habituated to pan chewing. Among the study population, 53 (53.00%) had dyspnoea, 41 (41.00%) had chest pain, 66(66.00%) had a loss of appetite, 60 (60.00%) had an evening rise of temperature, 81(81.00%) had a loss of weight, 32 (32.00%) had hemoptysis, 78(78.00%) had a cough. Conclusion: DM was associated with more symptoms but not with increased severity of TB and had a negative effect on the outcome of anti-TB treatment. The findings of this study underline the need to improve the care of patients with concomitant DM and TB, especially in developing countries. Therefore, we advocate screening patients with TB for DM, especially those aged >35 years. Vijayaraju, J.A. Elanchezhian. A study of clinical findings among newly diagnosed TB patients who are diagnosed diabetics under medications. IAIM, 2019; 6(2): 96-101. Page 97 Prospective studies are needed to determine the effects of tighter glycemic control on TB treatment and outcome.

A comparative study of I-gel and LMA fastrach as a conduit for blind endotracheal intubation

Background: The most important duty of an anesthesiologist is to protect the patient‟s airway and to provide adequate ventilation. The anesthesiologist should be skilled enough to make decisions at the circumstances of difficult intubations. We compared the success rate of blind tracheal intubation through two different supraglottic airway devices, I-GEL and ILMA using PVC endotracheal tube. We studied the complications in both the techniques. The aim of the study: To compare the advanced I-GEL, to ILMA as a conduit for blind endotracheal intubation for patients posted for elective procedures under general anesthesia. Materials and methods: A Prospective randomized study was conducted in 80 adult patients who undergone elective surgery under general anesthesia. They were divided into 2 groups- each group included 40 patients. Group A - I-GEL, Group B- ILMA. We noted the Ease of insertion, Duration of successful attempts, No. of failed attempts, Total intubation time and First attempt success rate. We recorded Heart rate, Blood pressure, Pulse oximetry, EtCO2 and Complications of I-gel and ILMA insertion. Results: Supraglottic device insertion time (15.62s vs 17.17s) and Supraglottic device removal time (15.82s vs 16.55s) were the least I-GEL group. The first attempt success rate for tracheal intubation (87.5% vs 60%) and Success rate for insertion (95% vs 72.5%) were high in the ILMA group. There was no statistical difference in Total intubation time, Complications, Hemodynamic response to intubation, No. of attempts for supraglottic device insertion and Time for first attempt tracheal intubation. Ebenezer Joel Kumar E, Bridgit Merlin J, Anu Asheetha R. A comparative study of I-gel and LMA fastrach as a conduit for blind endotracheal intubation. IAIM, 2019; 6(2): 87-95. Page 88 Conclusion: We concluded I-GEL aids easy and rapid insertion as a supraglottic airway device, but when it is used as a conduit for blind endotracheal intubation, the failure rate is high as there is more incidence of oesophageal intubation. On the contrary, ILMA being a gold standard device meant for intubation guide has a high first attempt success rate for blind endotracheal intubation.

Orotracheal intubation in a patient with difficult airway by using fiberoptic nasotracheal intubation: A case report

In cases of a difficult intubation where numerous intubation methods, including laryngoscopy, have failed, yet oral intubation is still necessary, the method of tube exchange after fiberoptic nasal intubation may be attempted. Fiberoptic nasal intubation allows intubation to be performed relatively easily when the laryngeal view grade is poor. We report a case in which our attempt at oral intubation for total maxillectomy with laryngoscopy and fiberoptic oral intubation had failed due to an unexpected difficult airway; subsequently, we successfully completed the surgery by performing fiberoptic nasal intubation to secure the airway, followed by using a tube exchanger to exchange to an oral endotracheal tube.

Use of laryngeal mask after repeated endotracheal intubation failure in a patient with tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica: case report / 고신대학교의과대학학술지

We report a case of difficult endotracheal intubation in a patient with tracheobronchopathia osteochondroplastica. A 65-year-old man was scheduled to undergo ulnar nerve decompression and ganglion excisional biopsy under general anesthesia. During induction of general anesthesia, an endotracheal tube could not be advanced through the vocal cords due to resistance. A large number of nodules were identified below the vocal cords using a Glidescope® video-laryngoscopy, and fiberoptic bronchoscopy revealed irregular nodules on the surface of the entire trachea and the main bronchus below the vocal cords. Use of a small endotracheal tube was attempted and failed. a laryngeal mask airway (LMA Supreme ™) rather than further intubation was successfully used to maintain the airway.

“Spray-as-you-go” medical technique for awake intubation using a combination of an epidural catheter and the OptiScope in a patient with Ludwig's angina: A case report

A 73-year-old woman presented to the emergency department with submandibular pain and swelling. The patient was diagnosed to have Ludwig's angina, and she was planned to undergo urgent incision and drainage under general anesthesia. However, her physical examination revealed severe diffuse swelling extending from the bilateral submandibular spaces to the submental space and further down to the neck. As our view was blocked by the patient's neck swelling, we did not perform a regional anesthesia of the airway or a transtracheal block. Several non-invasive alternatives were considered. The “spray-as-you-go” technique was chosen, and it was performed using the OptiScope®. However, the OptiScope did not have a working channel or syringe adaptor for the administration of the local anesthetic solution. To solve this problem, we combined the OptiScope with a 27-G tunneled epidural catheter (100 cm) for the administration of lidocaine and this combination made the awake intubation successful.

Successful airway management with combined use of McGrath® MAC video laryngoscope and fiberoptic bronchoscope in a severe obese patient with huge goiter: a case report / 대한마취과학회지

Huge goitor can lead to tracheal compression and hence difficulty in intubation. This is compounded by severe obesity. Failed tracheal intubation in difficult intubation is a serious event that may lead to increased patient morbidity and mortality. Current intubation rescue techniques and combination of different rescue techniques may increase the success rate of difficult intubation. In a 47-year-old female patient, with severe obesity and a huge goiter, our attempts at intubation using direct laryngoscope, video laryngoscope, and awake fiberoptic bronchoscope had failed. We succeeded by applying video laryngoscope to improve visualization of the airway and fiberoptic bronchoscope as a stylet for endotracheal tube.

Prevailing practices in airway management: a prospective single-centre observational study of endotracheal intubation

<p><b>INTRODUCTION</b>Airway management during anaesthesia has potential difficulties and risks. We aimed to investigate the utility of routine airway assessment for predicting difficult tracheal intubation, review the prevailing practice of videolaryngoscope use amongst anaesthetists in a teaching hospital and determine the incidence of intraoperative and postoperative airway-related complications.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>A prospective observational study of 1,654 patients undergoing general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation over a seven-month period was performed. Data regarding airway and anaesthetic management was collected and analysed.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Videolaryngoscopes were used as the first-choice equipment in 60.5% of the cohort. The incidence of difficult intubation was 2.1%, of which 45.7% of cases were unanticipated. The sensitivity of airway assessment was 54.3%, with a positive predictive value of 8.1%. When difficult intubation was anticipated, more videolaryngoscopes were used as the first equipment of choice compared to the Macintosh laryngoscope (p < 0.001). In the Macintosh group, more patients required a change of airway equipment (p = 0.015), but the number of intubation attempts was similar (p = 0.293). The incidence of intraoperative (p = 0.920) and postoperative complications (p = 0.380) were similar in both groups.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Using the current predictors of difficult intubation, half of the difficult airways we encountered were unanticipated. Videolaryngoscopes were preferred when difficulty was anticipated and were also used in routine tracheal intubation.</p>

Effect of the LEMON method in predicting patients with difficult airway / 临床麻醉学杂志

Objective To evaluate the effect of the LEMON method in predicting difficult air-way.Methods A total of 1 528 patients scheduled for elective surgery requiring tracheal intubation under general anaesthesia,680 males and 848 females,aged 18-83 years,ASA physical status Ⅰ orⅡ,were enrolled in the study.We used the LEMON method to assess airway conditions before an-aesthesia and recorded the scores.The primary end point was difficult tracheal intubation.The sec-ondary end point was difficult laryngoscopy.Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)curve analysis and the area under the curve (AUC)were used to evaluate the clinical effect of the LEMON mothod. Results There were 37 cases with difficult tracheal intubation and 106 cases with difficult laryngosco-py.The incidence of difficult tracheal intubation and difficult laryngoscopy were 2.4% and 6.9%,re-spectively.The area under the curve of the LEMON method for predicting difficult laryngoscopy and difficult tracheal intubation were 0.884 (95% CI 0.867-0.899)and 0.934 (95% CI 0.921-0.946), respectively.Conclusion The LEMON method has good clinical effect in predicting difficult airway.

Relationship of neck circumference and difficult endotracheal intubation in obese patients

Background and Objectives: Patient identification with difficult intubation is important in planning anesthetic management and one major factor for difficult intubation in t he obese patients is large neck circumference. The need for prediction of a potentially difficult airway received great importance as it plays a significant role in reducing morbidity and mortality. Therefore, this study was done to glimpse the effect of neck circumference on endotracheal intubation and to determine the frequency of difficult intubation.Material and Methods: The study was cross sectional descriptive study and convenient sampling technique was used. Seventy patients of age between 19-50 years of both sexes were enrolled. Neck circumference was measured at the level of cricoid cartilage along with other airway assessments. Direct laryngoscopy was done and checked whether it is difficult one or easy using Intubation difficulty scale. Data were entered and analyzed by using statistical software SPSS version 15.0. Results: Mean BMI was noted as 33.02±2.30 kg/m2 and the mean neck circumference was 43.64±2.30 cm. Difficult intubation was observed in 23 (32.86%) patients with mean neck circumference of 45.44±1.88 cm and normal intubation observed in 47(67.14%) patients with mean neck circumference of 42.77±1.98 cm. Linear correlation was found between the neck circumference and Intubation Difficulty Scale score with value of Pearson correlation=0.617 .Conclusion: Neck circumference of patient was found to have significant effects on difficult intubation. Frequency of difficult intubation was found in almost one third of obese patients with increasing neck circumference.