Research Information System
in: ANESTEZİYOLOJİYE HIZLI BAKIŞ, Prof. Dr. Dilek Kazancı, Editor, Turkiye Klinikleri, Ankara, pp.187-227, 2025
ABSTRACT
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Airway management is one of the basic components of the intraoperative period in anesthesia
practice. Using traditional and modern assessment techniques together can increase the effective-
ness of intraoperative airway management by determining possible airway difficulties and estab-
lishing an appropriate strategy.
The basic elements of preoperative assessment are detailed patient history, physical examination,
and predictive tools. In particular, previous anesthesia complications and comorbidities such as
obstructive sleep apnea should be questioned in the patient’s anamnesis. In physical assessment,
criteria such as Mallampati classification, thyromental distance, and neck mobility are used.
However, simple assessment methods are usually limited in terms of sensitivity and specificity;
therefore, they are supported by additional systems such as Wilson, and LEMON score. However,
the complexity of these systems limits their routine use.
Advances in technology have increased the success rate in airway management. Modern imaging
methods such as CT, MRI, and ultrasound allow precise visualization of anatomical structures.
Noninvasive and relatively low-cost preoperative airway ultrasound is increasingly preferred due
to its portability and high diagnostic accuracy of skin-to-epiglottic and hyomental distance ratios.
In addition, 3D modeling and printing techniques offer customized solutions for patients with
anatomical abnormalities, improving preoperative planning in complex cases.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly used in airway assessment, integrated with modern de-
vices and increasing accessibility through mobile applications.
Today, modern airway management increasingly relies on tools such as video laryngoscopy and
fiberoptic bronchoscopy. These developments have reduced the use of techniques such as retro-
grade intubation.
Invasive airway procedures are critical when noninvasive techniques are inadequate. Tracheos-
tomy, cricothyrotomy, and bronchoscopy are invasive procedures with specific indications and
application methods.
By integrating advanced tools with traditional techniques and considering patient-based factors,
anesthesiologists can significantly improve perioperative safety and efficiency. In the future, ad-
vances in AI, advanced imaging modalities, and predictive modeling are expected to further en-
hance airway management and set new standards in anesthesiology practice.
Keywords: Airway management; Tracheostomy; Bronchoscopy; Preoperative per