The Predictive Value of Videoryngoscopy in Preoperative Airway Evaluation in Obese Patients

Detailed Summary

The aim of this study is the evaluation of preoperativevideolaryngoscopy, as a possible predictor of difficult laryngoscopy and intubation during elective general anesthesia in an obese population. Videolaryngoscopy is a minimally invasive examination performed during difficult intubation evaluation but not used routinely . On the other hand, current strategies used to predict the ease of intubation are still not sufficiently sensitive and specific. An unexpected difficult or failed intubation at the induction of general anesthesia is a seriuos, and potentially fatal, emergency in anesthesia. In literature, a correlation between anatomical and functional parameters highlighted by videolaryngoscopy and difficulty of laryngoscopy and intubation has never been demonstrated nor indagated. There is only some case reports related evaluation of diffucult airway by videolaryngoscopy . If proven, this might give the Anesthestiologist further information about the expected difficulty of laryngoscopy and intubation, guiding a different anesthesiological strategy.

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