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TITLE:

HABITS OF AIRWAY ASSESSMENT AMONG ANESTHESIOLOGISTS: A MULTICENTER STUDY

AUTHORS:

Nasser Tawfeeq, Zaina Abdul Satar, Nada Almansoori, Huda Khayyat, Abeer Alheizan, Saad Alsuwaidan

ABSTRACT:

Background and Aim:Difficult intubation remains a challenging problem during general anesthesia in approximately 4.5- 7.5 % of apparently normal patients[2]. Airway related complications account for 35% of anesthesia related deaths [14]. The aim of this study is to assess the most commonly used predictors, to reach to the most important predictors of anticipating difficult airway and to analyze the factors mostly lead to unanticipated difficult intubation. Method:A cross sectional study was conducted in July 2012 including all anesthesiologists at King Abdul- Aziz Medical City(KAMC) and King Khalid University hospital(KKUH)(n=112). All anesthesiologists (consultants, specialists and residents) were surveyed using a previously validated questionnaire, with a response rate of 91%. Results: The highest factor which lead to unanticipated difficult intubation was the unrecognized and unstructured airway assessment (50%). With regards to maneuvers (how to assess the airway), 94% of anesthesiologists used more than one method. Mallampati, Mouth opening and Thyromental distance were the most known and commonly used methods. About one half (45%) of anesthesiologists reported the limited cervical spine movement as the most important factor that contributes and leads to difficult intubation. Conclusion: In our study the anesthesiologists use more than one predictor to assess the airway and predict difficult intubation. Further studies are needed to assess the most reliable difficult intubation predictors and to estimate the incidence of difficult intubation. Keywords: Airway, predictors, difficult intubation.

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