Thyromental Height Test (TMHT) as a Predictor of Difficult Airway in Obese Patients

Validity of Thyromental Height Test (TMHT) as an Objective Predictor of Difficult Airway in Obese Patients: a Prospective Observational Cohort Study

Difficult airway management is a major concern for anesthetists and contributes to perioperative morbidity and mortality. The incidence of difficult intubation in the obese population with a BMI of greater than 30 has been reported to be 15.8%. Thyromental height test (TMHT) is a new bedside test for difficult airway, it is a measure of the height between the anterior borders of the mentum and thyroid cartilage. TMHT can act as a surrogate for amount of mandibular protrusion; dimensions of submandibular space; and anterior position of the larynx. It appears promising as a single anatomical measure to predict the risk of difficult laryngoscopy.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients aged between 18-60 years old, ASA physical status II& III with BMI > 30 Kg/m2 who will undergo elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia using endotracheal intubation with conventional laryngoscopy

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with neuromuscular disorders, craniofacial abnormalities, abnormal dentition, uncooperative, who need awake intubation and patients who undergoing emergency operations will be excluded