The Reliability and Validity of the Upper Lip Bite Test to Predict Difficult Laryngoscopy in Korean

Anticipated difficulties at laryngoscopy give time to prepare alternative method and proper management.

Several methods to evaluate the anatomical structures has been used during preoperative period for airway assessment.

Evaluation methods are such as the Mallampati classification, mouth opening, thyromental distance and sternocostal distance.

the Upper Lip Bite test, evaluates the possibility of a patient cover the mucosa of the upper lip by the lower incisor.

The aim of this study was to assess the clinical usefulness of the Upper Lip Bite test(ULBT) in Korean compared to Modified Mallampati classification(MMT).

Inclusion Criteria:

• adult patients undergoing general anesthesia with orotracheal intubation

Exclusion Criteria:

• patient who have facial anomaly , 2. patients who required a rapid sequence induction