Determining the possibility of difficult intubation in adult patients to be applied to general anesthesia with obstructive sleep apnea screening tests

This prospective observational study was conducted in the Operating Room of the Health Sciences University Ankara Training and Research Hospital, after the approval of the Clinical Research Ethics Committee of the University of Health Sciences Ankara Training and Research Hospital, dated 11.02.2021 and numbered E-93471371-514.10. All patients participating in the study were informed and their written consent was obtained. Patients who would undergo non-cardiac surgery and who would undergo general anesthesia were included in the study. Patients were observed throughout the preoperative period and the intraoperative period starting with induction. Age, gender, body weight, height, body mass index and ASA value were recorded in the preoperative evaluation of all patients. The oropharyngeal structures of all patients included in the study were examined and recorded according to the Modified Mallampati Score (opening the mouth completely in the sitting position, sticking out the tongue without making any sound). While screening tests and anthropometric measurements (thyromental distance, neck circumference, waist circumference) were completed at the preoperative anesthesia evaluation 1 week before the surgical procedure, the Cormack-Lehane score was recorded during post-induction laryngoscopy. Thyromental distance was measured from the thyroid cartilage level with the tip of the chin while the head was in extension, without contacting the skin with a ruler. A thyromental distance of 6 cm or less was determined as a difficult airway criterion Neck circumference was measured at the level of the thyroid cartilage with the head in a neutral position. Difficult airway criterion was recorded as 40 cm and above . Waist circumference was measured from the mid-axillary line between the lowest point of the rib cage and the highest point of the iliac crest, with the patient in an upright position. Over 102 cm for men and 88 cm for women were considered associated with high risk. Screening tests of the patients were completed during the preoperative anesthesia evaluation.Screening tests were completed 1 day before the preoperative period.