[Preoperative predictive airway procedual factors influencing successful fiberoptic oral intubation under general anesthesia]

Although preoperative airway assessment is important for airway management, preoperative predictive factors influencing successful fiberoptic oral intubation (FOI) have not been well investigated. Here, we assessed the factors for successful FOI.

In 30 adult patients, we assessed gender, age, snoring habit, body mass index, Mallampati classification, upper-lip-bite-tests, and length around necks. First we attempted FOI under general anesthesia in a neutral position. When a gap was observed between the epiglottis and posterior pharyngeal wall, we advanced the instrument into the gap. We added airway procedures without observing the gap until it was visible and intubation successful. Multiple regression analysis was performed to determine factors for successful FOI with scores of the factors.

Intubation was successful in 0 at neutral position, in 16 at head tilt, in 5 at sniffing position and in the residual 9 at jaw thrust. Snore was the most influencing factor for successful FOI, according to determined linear regression analysis.

We require additional airway procedures and assistance to succeed in FOI in patients who snore.