Evaluation of the Accuracy and the Intra and Inter Rater Reliability of the POGO Score

A classification method describing the larynx appearance during laryngoscopy accepted by all anesthetists has not been defined yet. In one study, it was shown that anesthetists mis classed the glottis image by 50%. The most commonly used classification method is the Cormack Lehane (CL) classification. This classification classifies the larynx appearance during direct laryngoscopy form 1 to 4. The modified CL classification is criticized as it does not predict difficult intubation and especially grade 2 is operator dependent and partial view is not well defined. The numerical expression of the percentage of the glottic aperture (POGO = percentile of glottic opening) is another score. In this score, A POGO score of 100% accounts for full visualization of the larynx starting from anterior commissure to the posterior cartilage, while 0% indicated a complete absence of glottic opening.

The use of a standard and effective classification method will facilitate and accelerate communication between anesthetists in difficult life-threatening situations such as difficult airway / difficult intubation / difficult ventilation and contribute to patient safety. The use of common terminology can also facilitate the evaluation of the performance of intubation tools.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and intra and inter rater reliability of the POGO score.