The Mallampati Score. Prediction of difficult intubation in otolaryngologic laser surgery by Mallampati Score

The Mallampati score (MS), later modified by Samsoon and Young, is a common method used to predict difficult intubation. We tested its predictive value in otolaryngologic (ENT) laser surgery. METHODS: Ninety-one patients scheduled for elective ENT laser surgery had the modified MS noted prior to induction in the supine position, with the tongue fully protruded and phonating "ah"; 22 patients were female, 69 male. The mean age was 54 +/- 15 (6-84) years, height 171 +/- 9 (130-190) cm, and weight 72 +/- 21 (20-99) kg. After a standard induction, the laryngoscopic view was graded according to Cormack and Lehane (CL 10 patients had a CL of these, 4 (= 6%) were difficult to intubate. Twenty-nine patients had MS > or = 3; of these, 6 (= 21%) were difficult to intubate. This difference was significant (chi-square = 4.1, P or = 3. Low sensitivity (60%) and specificity (72%) limit the clinical value of this test, however.