Obesity Difficult Airway Airway Management

The aim of this prospective study is to evaluate the accuracy of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning algorithms in predicting difficult airways in patients undergoing bariatric surgery. Preoperative airway assessments, including the Upper Lip Bite Test (UBLT), Mallampati score, Body Mass Index (BMI), thyromental distance (TMD), and sternomental distance (SMD), will be recorded. The study investigates whether AI models can provide higher sensitivity and specificity in predicting difficult intubation compared to traditional clinical scoring systems in the obese patient population.

This study aims to evaluate whether the Left Head Rotation (LeHeR) maneuver improves visualization of the vocal cords during video laryngoscopy in obese adult patients undergoing general anesthesia. Obesity is associated with increased difficulty in airway management due to excess upper airway soft tissue and altered anatomy, which may impair visualization during intubation. In this prospective observational study, 50 adult patients with a body mass index (BMI) ≥30 kg/m² will undergo video laryngoscopy using a C-MAC D-blade. The glottic view will be assessed using the Percentage of Glottic Opening (POGO) score in the standard sniffing position and after rotating the head 45 degrees to the left (LeHeR maneuver). A difference in POGO score between the two positions will be analyzed. Secondary outcomes include ease of intubation, number of attempts, time to successful intubation, and occurrence of complications such as desaturation or airway trauma. The study is expected to determine whether the LeHeR maneuver is a simple and effective technique to improve airway visualization in obese patients.

This study is designed as a prospective observational study and will be conducted at the Health Sciences University Antalya Training and Research Hospital. Adult patients scheduled to undergo bariatric surgery will be included. The aim of this study is to compare the El Ganzouri Risk Index (EGRI) and airway ultrasonography (USG) parameters in predicting difficult intubation and to evaluate their relationship with the Cormack-Lehane (CL) score obtained during direct laryngoscopy. Before surgery, each participant will be evaluated using both the EGRI scoring system and airway USG. During general anesthesia, tracheal intubation will be performed using direct laryngoscopy, and data including the CL score, intubation time, number of attempts, and the need for videolaryngoscopy will be recorded based on the anesthesiologist's observations. The collected data will be analyzed by classifying participants according to the presence or absence of difficult intubation, and statistical comparisons will be performed between EGRI scores and airway ultrasonography parameters. The results of this study may contribute to improved preoperative airway assessment and enhanced patient safety in bariatric surgery.