The body constitution of patients and intubation scales as predictors of difficult intubation considered in relation to the experience of the intubator

Folia Morphol (Warsz). 2008 Aug;67(3):171-4.

Abstract

The aims of the study were to identify factors that may result in difficulties in intubation, and to compare the results obtained when an experienced and when a less experienced anaesthesiologist was involved. The 96 patients included in the study were evaluated for difficult intubation according to the following scales: Mallampati, upper lip bite test (ULBT) and Patil. The mobility of the cervical segments of the vertebral column, the distance between the jugular notch of the sternum and the chin and the anatomical constitution of the body were other factors that were taken into consideration. Statistical analysis was performed in order to identify factors that may result in difficulties in intubation for an experienced and for a less experienced anaesthesiologist.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Anesthesiology / standards
  • Bite Force
  • Body Constitution*
  • Cervical Vertebrae / anatomy & histology
  • Chin / anatomy & histology
  • Clinical Competence*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / adverse effects*
  • Intubation, Intratracheal / methods
  • Male
  • Mass Screening
  • Middle Aged
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Sternum / anatomy & histology