Thyromental Height Test for Difficult Intubation Prediction in Obese Patients

This study focuses on finding a better way to predict difficult intubation in obese patients undergoing elective surgeries. Intubation, the process of inserting a tube into the windpipe to maintain airflow, can be challenging in obese patients due to anatomical changes caused by excess body weight. Current methods for predicting difficult intubation aren't always accurate, and this study aims to evaluate a new method called the Thyromental Height Test (TMHT). The TMHT measures the distance between the thyroid cartilage and the chin, and it's hoped that this simple, non-invasive test could improve the prediction of difficult intubation, enhancing patient safety during general anesthesia. During the study, participants will undergo routine preoperative anesthetic visits where the TMHT will be measured. After the induction of general anesthesia, a laryngoscopist will grade the laryngeal view using the Cormack-Lehane Scale, which ranges from grade I (fully visible glottis) to grade IV (neither glottis nor epiglottis visible). The primary outcome of the study is to assess the usefulness of the TMHT in predicting difficult intubation. The secondary aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of other commonly used predictive tests for difficult intubation in obese patients.