Predictive tests of difficult airway and cormack- lehane classification in adults. ¿myth or reality?

Abstract

Airway management is of concern for the anesthesiologist and it is their duty to anticipate difficulties in performing intubation. There are multiple tests to predict the difficult airway. Objective: To describe the results between the Mallampati scale, interincisor distance, sternomental distance and neck circumference and the Cormack- Lehane scale to anticipate a difficult airway. Patients and Methods: Quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional study; The data was obtained through the application of a questionnaire at the Doctor Mario Catarino Rivas National Hospital. A total of 50 patients over 18 years of age. Results: On the Mallampati scale, 4 (44%) they were difficult intubation according to the results of Cormack-Lehane scale. In the opening greater than 3 cm, 32 (94%) were easy intubation. Of the patients with sternomental distance greater than 13 cm, 41 (89.1%) underwent easy intubation.In neck thickness less than or equal to 36 cm, 32 (94%) were easy intubation. Conclusion: When comparing the results of predictive tests for difficult airway and the Cormack-Lehane classification, it was found that the scales of Mallampati and mouth opening were similar with the Cormack-Lehane classification.