title: Predictors of difficult intubation and the otolaryngology perioperative consult.
abstract: Airway management is one of the most important aspects of anesthesia care. Although the incidence of difficult intubation is low, predicting a potentially difficult airway can ensure that necessary staff and equipment are available. A preoperative airway evaluation should include a history and physical examination focusing on elements that can cause problems with intubation. When indicated, flexible fiberoptic laryngoscopy can add valuable information regarding the upper aerodigestive anatomy. Specific patient and situational factors should be considered. Alternative plans should be defined before the initiation of anesthesia. Management of a complex airway should be a coordinated effort between anesthesiologists and otolaryngologists.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 San Pablo Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA. Electronic address: kodell@usc.edu.
authors.forename: Karla
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: O'Dell
mesh_terms: D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D007442:Intubation, Intratracheal; D007828:Laryngoscopy; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D010808:Physical Examination; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Airway management; Airway obstruction; Difficult intubation