• Joungmin Kim, Kyong Shil Im, Jae Myeong Lee, Jaehun Ro, Kyung Yeon Yoo, and Jong Bun Kim.
• Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Chonnam National University Hospital, Gwangju, Republic of Korea.
• J. Int. Med. Res. 2016 Feb 1; 44 (1): 136-46.

ObjectiveTo determine the correlation between anatomical features of the upper airway (evaluated via computed tomography imaging) and the ease of light wand-assisted endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing ear, nose and throat surgery under general anaesthesia.MethodsMallampati class, laryngoscopic grade, thyromental distance, neck circumference, body mass index, mouth opening and upper lip bite class were assessed. Epiglottis length and angle, tongue size and narrowest pharyngeal distance were determined using computed tomography imaging. Intubation success rate, time to successful intubation (intubating time) and postoperative throat symptoms were documented.ResultsOf 152 patients, 148 (97.4%) were successfully intubated on the first attempt (mean intubating time 11.5 ± 6.7 s). Intubating time was positively correlated with laryngoscopic grade and body mass index in both male and female patients, and Mallampati class and neck circumference in male patients. Epiglottis length was positively correlated with intubating time.ConclusionsEase of intubation was influenced by epiglottis length. Radiological evaluation may be useful for preoperative assessment of patients undergoing endotracheal intubation with light wand.© The Author(s) 2015.

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