Determination of the Frequency and Predictors of Difficult Intubation in Septoplasty Operations

Plain-language summary

Deviated septum is among the most prevalent etiologies of nasal obstruction. Congenital or acquired deformities of the nasal septum have been demonstrated to result in partial obstruction of the airflow, thereby causing respiratory distress. Furthermore, studies have indicated a potential correlation between nasal congestion and Obstructive Sleep Apnoea Syndrome (OSAS). It is a well-documented phenomenon that patients suffering from nasal obstruction often exhibit an open mouth during sleep, a condition that has been shown to result in the narrowing of the pharyngeal lumen and the subsequent development of sleep-related breathing disorders, including snoring and sleep apnoea. Surgical intervention to correct a deviated nasal septum (commonly referred to as septoplasty) has been shown to reduce upper airway resistance by enhancing airflow, leading to a reduction in the severity of both snoring and OSAS. Numerous studies have demonstrated a robust correlation between a deviated nasal septum and asymmetric facial growth, including maxillary and mandibular abnormalities. While septoplasty is considered a minor surgical procedure with a low anaesthetic risk, concomitant obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) and facial asymmetry have been demonstrated to be associated with an increased risk of difficult intubation. Consequently, the development of preoperative assessment tests to predict difficult intubation is imperative for effective planning of the necessary preoperative preparation when such complications are anticipated. The present study therefore sought to evaluate the incidence of difficult airway in patients undergoing septoplasty. The secondary aim was to determine the predictive factors associated with difficult airway in patients undergoing septoplasty.

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