Predictive Value of Mallampati Score and Thyromental Distance for Difficult Intubation in Obese Patient

Ammar Hamid Hamad; Hesham Ahmed Talab; Huda Mohammad Eskender

doi:10.51699/cajmns.v7i2.3157

Authors

Ammar Hamid Hamad Al-Mashreq University, Baghdad- Iraq
Hesham Ahmed Talab Al-Mashreq University, Baghdad- Iraq
Huda Mohammad Eskender Al-Mashreq University, Baghdad- Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51699/cajmns.v7i2.3157

Keywords:

Mallampati score, thyromental distance, Cormack-Lehane classification, difficult intubation, obese patients, airway management

Abstract

The task of ensuring control of the airway in obese patients is found to be more challenging because it increases the possibility of facing difficulties during intubation, thereby increasing anesthesia-related complications in obese patients. The study aims to determine how Mallampati scores and thyromental distance measurements were predictive of difficult intubation outcomes in obese patients using their Cormack-Lehane classification outcomes. To carry out this study, a prospective cohort study design was done on 60 obese participants with a BMI of 30 kg/m² and above, aged between 18 and 45 years, in Al-Imamin Al-Kazemin Medical City from January to October 2023. Patients were not included in the study if they had abnormal airways, severe respiratory disease, critical illness, or trauma. Data were collected through demographic data, medical history, Mallampati scores, thyromental distance, Cormack-Lehane grade measurement, and intubation attempts and device usage. The research results showed that patients with higher Mallampati scores and shorter thyromental distances experienced more difficult intubation results which required multiple intubation attempts and resulted in greater use of adjunct devices like stylets and bougies. The research shows that using Mallampati score and thyromental distance together with Cormack-Lehane classification system enables better prediction of difficult intubation cases in obese patients which makes preoperative airway management safer and more effective

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