Comparison of Laryngoscope view and Intubating conditions obtained by sniffing and simple head extension position at two different operating table heights.

1. Laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation is a very basic procedure to be mastered by all anaesthesiologists. Positioning the patient head at proper height assumes a very high importance to complete the task. Heath highlighted the benefits of using an adjustable operating table and the ergonomic benefits of different heights—high during cannulation to prevent back discomfort, a bit lower for airway management, and even lower for short trainees. It has been suggested that the patient’s face should be placed at the height of the anaesthetist’s xiphoid process for comfortable intubation without requiring the anaesthetist to bend his/her back.

 H.C.Lee studiedpatients face at 4 different landmarks relative to the anaesthesiologist bodyand concluded that higher operating table position provide better laryngoscopicview and less discomfort during tracheal intubation.Smitha prakashstudied two different head positions likesniffing position and simple head extension for laryngoscopic view andintubation difficulty in adults and concluded that sniffing position issuperior to simple head extension with regard to ease of intubation and hasassessed by Intubation Difficulty Scale(IDS). Presently we will be conducting the study to compare the ease of laryngoscopy and endotrachealintubation in sniffing and simple head extension position at two differentoperating table heights namely xiphisternum and nipple level relative to theperforming Anesthesiologist.