Diagnostic Accuracy of Ultrasonography in Predicting Difficult Direct Laryngoscopy

Dr. Soorya R. Vimal, Dr. C. Madhusoodanan Pillai, Dr. Anil Sathyadas

Abstract: Predicting difficult intubation is a part of pre anaesthetic assessment; many predictors with varying predictive value are available. Ultrasonography is a simple non-invasive tool and has been used to identify difficult intubation. Here the diagnostic accuracy of using pre-epiglottic space thickness in predicting difficult intubation using modified Cormack Lehane grade, is studied in 221 patients undergoing general anaesthesia with tracheal intubation. A strong association between pre-epiglottic space thickness and difficult laryngoscopy was found with a diagnostic accuracy greater than conventional methods.

Keywords: Intubation, Ultrasonography, Pre-epiglottic space