Frequency and Risk Factors for Difficult Intubation in Women Undergoing General Anesthesia for Cesarean Delivery: A Multicenter Retrospective Cohort Analysis

Abstract

(Anesthesiology. 2022;136:697–708)

Elucidating the contemporary rate of difficult or failed intubation in women undergoing general anesthesia for cesarean delivery is confounded in the literature by small sample size, and the unaccounted-for increased use of neuraxial anesthesia and video laryngoscope, all amounting to generally outdated information available for this question. As the mother and neonate are at high risk for adverse outcome with difficult intubation, it is important to understand characteristics that may increase the likelihood of this complication, as to initiate pertinent preparation and early neuraxial anesthesia. The aim of this study was to determine an updated frequency of difficult and failed intubation in the obstetric setting and identify risk factors of such that may be particular to women receiving general anesthesia for cesarean delivery.