Airway Ultrasound Versus Mallampati Score as a Predictor of Difficult Direct Laryngoscopy in Obese Patients

Launched by AIN SHAMS UNIVERSITY · Sep 26, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is investigating whether using ultrasound to examine the neck can better predict if patients will have difficulty during a procedure called laryngoscopy, which is used to place a breathing tube, compared to a traditional method called the Mallampati score. This study specifically focuses on obese patients who are scheduled for elective surgeries that require this type of intubation. By comparing these two methods, researchers hope to find a more reliable way to identify patients who might face challenges during the procedure.

To be eligible for this study, participants must be between 18 and 60 years old, both men and women, and have a body mass index (BMI) over 30, which indicates obesity. They should also be in good to moderate health according to a classification by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Participants can expect to undergo an ultrasound examination of their neck and be monitored closely during their surgery. It's important to note that individuals who have had previous neck surgeries, have certain medical conditions, or who are pregnant may not be able to participate. This study aims to improve safety and outcomes for patients undergoing surgeries that require intubation.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Both sexes
• • 2. Age from18 to 60 years old
• • 3. With an American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status classification score of I to III,
• • 4. Scheduled for elective surgical procedure requiring endotracheal intubation
• • 5. Body mass index more than 30 kg/m2.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Patient refusal
• • 2. Emergency surgery
• • 3. Patients with history of airway or neck surgery
• • 4. Neck mobility abnormalities
• • 5. Syndromatic patients
• • 6. Pre-existing airway malformations or pathology like facial or cervical fractures, maxillofacial abnormalities, cervical tumors or goiter.
• • 7. History of difficult intubation.
• • 8. Patients with tracheostomy tubes.
• • 9. Pregnant patients.
• • 10. Body mass index less than 30 kg/m2.
• • 11. ASA IV or above patients.