The Predictive Values of Anatomical Parameters for Difficult Mask Ventilation in Patients who Underwent Elective Surgeries in Wolaita Sodo Town Hospitals, 2017

Background: Mask ventilation is the primary technique of ventilation before insertion of any airway device. Difficulties in mask ventilation have been associated with serious complications, such as death or hypoxic brain damage. If the anesthetist can predict which patients are likely to prove difficult to ventilate, he/she may reduce the risks of anesthesia considerably. The study was aimed to assess the incidence of and predictive values of anatomical parameters for difficult mask ventilation among patients who underwent elective surgeries at Wolaita Sodo University teaching and referral Hospital and Sodo Christian Hospital. Methods: Institutional based cross sectional study was conducted from July 1 to August 30, 2017 in two hospitals of wolaita zone. The study was conducted on 278 patients of which 101 (36.3%) were males and 177 (63.7%) were females. Patient demographics, incidence and predictive values of anatomical parameters for difficult mask ventilation were studied among elective patients who took general anesthesia. Result: The incidence of difficult mask ventilation (grade III) was 2.2%; whereas, impossible mask ventilation (grade IV) was 0.4%. Highest percent of difficult mask ventilation (grade III) was occurred in patients with obstructive sleep apnea, BMI˃26 kg/m2 and Mandibular Protrusion Class C. Conclusion: Modified Mallampatti class III and IV and Mandibular protrusion class B and C are highly accurate parameters with high specificity, negative predictive value and positive predictive value to predict difficult mask ventilation.