STOP-BANG Questionnaire and the Modified Mallampati Score to Predict Difficult Intubation

Abstract

Objective: There are a number of assessments an anesthetist can perform preoperatively to assess for possible difficult intubation (DI). Preoperative tests that screen, predict, and ultimately prevent the untoward effects of DI are of infinite value in anesthesia. To better predict DI, the STOP-BANG questionnaire (SBQ) created for identifying risk for obstructed sleep apnea was studied in conjunction with a widely accepted preoperative anesthetic screening test, the Modified Mallampati Score (MMS). In adult patients undergoing general anesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation, will use of the SBQ and the MMS predict DI? There is an abundance of literature supporting the use of the MMS, however, no literature was revealed studying the SBQ and MMS. Theoretical Framework: Lewin’s theory of planned change Methods: Retrospective chart review of 105 patients undergoing general anesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation at Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, New York. Data Analysis: Multiple and logistic regression was tested to identify statistically significant predictability of the MMS and SBS on predicting number of intubation attempts, use of airway adjuncts for obtaining an airway, and Cormack-Lehane grades (extent of anatomy viewed during direct laryngoscopy). All of which are indicators of DI. Results: There was a positive correlation between high SBS and MMS and use of airway adjuncts and DI. Conclusion: The SBQ is another pre-anesthetic test that can be performed to better predict and prevent DI. The SBQ needs to be studied with other commonly used pre-anesthetic airway assessment tests.