Ultrasonographic evaluation of palatoglossal space and other airway parameters in prediction of difficult mask ventilation and difficult laryngoscopy- intubation in obese patients: A prospective observational study

Aims and Objectives:

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of sonographic measures in predicting DMV and difficult laryngoscopy.

Primary objective:

Determine the sensitivity and specificity of palatoglossal space in predicting difficult mask ventilation in obese patients.

Secondary objectives:

Determine the specificity and sensitivity of Tongue thickness (TT), tongue width (TW), tongue volume (TV) and cross sectional area of tongue (TCSA) in predicting difficult mask ventilation .

Determine the specificity and sensitivity of hyomental distance in neutral (HMDN) and extended (HMDE) head position and their ratio (HMDR), hyoid bone visibility on sublingual scan, Anterior neck soft tissue thickness at the level of epiglottis (SED), hyoid (SHD), vocal cords (SVC) and distance from skin to epiglottis (pre-E) and epiglottis to mid point of vocal cord (E-VC) and their ratio (pre-E/E-VC) in predicting difficult laryngoscopy and intubation.

Inclusion criteria: All adult obese patients (BMI>30) posted for elective surgery under general anaesthesia with planned laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation.

Exclusion criteria:

• Patients with a previous history of major airway surgery or airway pathology, cervical spine surgery/disease or radiation therapy.
• Pregnant patients
• Patients already intubated or tracheostomized