Thyromental Height Test as a New Method for Prediction of Difficult Intubation in Obese Patients
Thyromental Height Test as a New Method for Prediction of Difficult Intubation in Obese Patients
The main objective of this trial is to assess the clinical usefulness of thyromental height test (TMHT) in prediction of difficult intubation in obese patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures. The secondary aim is to evaluate usefulness of other commonly used predictive tests associated with difficult intubation in obese patients.
Successful and fast intubation are crucial for the safety of general anaesthesia. Failed intubation and acute hypoxia remain among the major contributing factors of anaesthesia related deaths. Difficult intubation prevalence in literature is very inconsistent and varies between 1.5-20% of cases in general population, to even 50% in obese Thai population.
Obesity remains a challenging problem in perioperative care. It is assumed that the airway access may be restricted due to anatomic changes resulting from excess body weight. There are factors like diagnosed obstructive sleep apnoea or large neck circumference that also relate to occurrence of difficult intubation in obese patients.
There is a number of anthropometric scales and tests used for predicting difficult intubation in obese patients. However, none of them appears to be sensitive and specific enough to effectively predict difficult intubation.
Recently, simple and non-invasive test predicting difficult intubation was introduced-thyromental height test (TMHT). It shows promise as a more effective substitution for frequently cited anthropometric measures. It is based on the height between the anterior border of the thyroid cartilage and the anterior border of the mentum, measured while the patient lies in the supine position with closed mouth.
The main objective of this trial is to assess the clinical usefulness of TMHT in prediction of difficult intubation in obese patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures. The secondary aim is to evaluate usefulness of other commonly used predictive tests associated with difficult intubation in obese patients.
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Exclusion Criteria: