Pre-operative Palatoglossal space evaluation by ultrasonography to predict difficult mask ventilation -a prospective observational study

This prospective observational study includes 130 patients undergoing elective surgeries under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation at a tertiary care teaching hospital. It aims to assess airway parameters especially palatoglossal space PGS via ultrasound to predict difficult mask ventilation DMV and difficult intubation. Preoperative evaluation includes demographics BMI airway assessment with mouth opening Modified Mallampati grading and PGS measurement. After induction with fentanyl propofol and vecuronium mask ventilation is graded using Han scale and intubation is performed by a trained anaesthesiologist. Cormack Lehane CL grading is noted. DMV is defined as Han grade 3 or more and difficult intubation as CL grade 2B or more or requiring adjuncts like a bougie. The study correlates ultrasound based PGS measurements with airway management outcomes.