Results of Patients with Risk Factors for Difficult Intubation to Provide Appropriate Equipment, Intubation Using Multiple Assessment Methods.

Abstract

          This retrospective study was to compare two methods for assessing the difficulty endotracheal intubation patients. The correct assessment will help in preparing the appropriate equipment for intubation and improve patient safety. Retrospective data retrieved from patient's record form during general anesthesia in Bamrasnaradura Infectious Diseases Institute. Total 1,249 cases divided into two groups; 727 cases in first group assessment with modified mallampati and 522 cases in second group assessment with mallampati, projected distance from mento-thyroid, meto-hyoid and atlanto-occipital joint extension. The results showed that the second group had more accuracy to assess the patients who had difficult intubation than group one with only modified mallampati. The combined methods could assess more patients at risk for intubation from 2.06 percent to 6.31 (increased in 224%). The accurate assessment was decrease the number of intubation attempt in each patient about 40%.