Predictors of difficult airway in thyroid surgery

Background In head and neck surgery there is a higher probability of encountering a difficult airway (Comarck Lehane III or IV, problematic bag-mask ventilation). The assessment is conducted by the anesthesiologist prior to induction of anesthesia. Thyroid pathologies are considered a risk factor, when assessing the airway. Improved predictors derived from ENT examination can contribute to increasing patient safety.