Retrospective study of difficult airway cases in Bursa Uludağ University Faculty of Medicine operation center

By anticipating the difficulties that may occur in airway control, securing airway and proper management of ventilation are important in preventing complications associated with anesthesia. In our study, data of patients with difficult airway, bedside test results, post-operative test results and techniques used in difficult airway management, between August 2010-July 2020 were evaluated retrospectively. Demographic and categorical data are shown as frequency (n) and percentage (%). Chi square test was used for correlation analysis of categorical data, Spearman correlation analysis was used for correlation analysis of numerical data. In all patients, the difficult mask ventilation rate is 46.3%, and the success rate of securing airway is 98.7%. 83.2% of the patients were extubated without any problem. 613 patients, whose records have been reached completely, were grouped as under 18 and 18 years old and over. Male gender ratio was found to be high (63.1%) in both groups, and body mass indexes of 61.1% of adult patients were found between 18.5-29.9. Head and neck malignancies in adults, congenital syndromes in under 18 years old are the most common pathological causes of difficult airway, anterior larynx (31.1%) and short muscular neck (29.7%) in adults, and small jaw (38%) in adults. 0) are the most common anatomical features. Modified Mallampati class 3-4 in 69.8% of patients, thyromental distance ≥6 cm in 64.8%, mouth opening ≥3 cm in 68.6%, upper lip bite test class 1 in 64.7% has been determined. A significant statistical relationship was found between patients with increased body mass index and male gender, Modified Mallampati class 3-4, thyromental distance <6 cm and difficult mask ventilation. The Cormack-Lehane value of 91.6% of the patients was 3-4. The relationship between Cormack Lehane assessment and Modified Mallampati classification, upper lip bite test and mouth opening distance is statistically significant. In conclusion, Modified Mallampati test class 3-4 and thyromental distance <6 cm in male patients with increased body mass index suggest the possibility of difficult mask ventilation. As the modified Mallampati test and upper lip bite test class increase, the shorter the mouth opening distance, the more difficult laryngoscopy possibility should be considered. In difficult airway management, evaluating the patients with a good anamnesis and examination in the preoperative period is important in determining the solutions.