A Comparative Study Between Modified Mallampati Classification, Thyromental Distance and Neck Circumference For Predicting Difficulty During Endotracheal Intubation

Abstract

Unanticipated difficult endotracheal intubation can lead to significant perioperative complications, making accurate preoperative airway evaluation essential. This study compares the effectiveness of Modified Mallampati Classification (MMC), Thyromental Distance (TMD), and Neck Circumference (NC) as predictors of difficult endotracheal intubation. Patients scheduled for elective surgical procedures under general anesthesia from Saveetha Medical College Hospital, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India underwent preoperative assessment using these three airway parameters. The ease of intubation was subsequently evaluated during direct laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation. The predictive performance of each assessment tool was analyzed and compared using appropriate statistical measures. By identifying the parameter with the highest predictive accuracy, this study aims to improve the detection of potentially difficult airways, support anesthesiologists in planning airway management strategies, and contribute to safer anesthetic practice and improved patient outcomes.

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