Is mallampati scoring relevant in patients with oral cancers?

ABSTRACT

To assess the feasibility of successful endotracheal intuhation in patients with oral cancer with a Mallampati score of 4 with reasonable mobility of temporo-mandibular and atlantoaxial joints. ENT department, Civil Hospital Karachi, from March 2005 to March 2007. 25 patients, with orofacial cancers were chosen in which the Mallampati score was 4 and tracheal intubation was expected to be very difficult. In this study out of twenty five patients 24 pts [96%] were intubated successfully with Macintosh laryngoscope. Patients having Mallampati class 4 have a reasonable chance of undergoing successful endotracheal intubation provided their temporo-mandibular joints and atlantoaxial joints are mobile. Key Words .Endotracheal intubation, Mallampati scoring