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Several screening methods for the prediction of a difficult endotracheal intubation such as the test by Patil or the Mallampati-Score have been described. The incidence of difficult microlaryngoscopic procedures and the prognostic value of those screening tests for their prediction has not been investigated. ⋯ Therefore an impossible indirect laryngoscopy can be regarded as a warning sign for a difficult microlaryngoscopic procedure. Summation-scores like the Arné Multivariate Risk Index or the use of check lists (Benumof) may improve the predictive value of preoperative screening.