Determining airway complications during anaesthesia induction: a prospective, observational, cross-sectional clinical study

Background: Although postoperative early airway complications are rarely observed, when they do develop, fatal results such as brain damage and cardiac arrest may occur. The Royal College of Anaesthetists and Difficult Airway Society investigated airway complications developing during anaesthesia over a period of 12 months within the context of the Fourth National Audit Project (NAP4) study. Inspired by that multicentre research project, this study aims to identify early airway complications that can develop in relation to anaesthesia induction in our hospital. Methods: After our proposed study received approval from the Ethical Council, adult patients undergoing general anaesthesia at our operating theatres within the period of January–July 2018 were included in it. Demographic data, ventilation, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) grade, Cormack-Lehane scores, tools that are used in airway management, and complications were recorded. Results: Out of 909 patients in total, 752 were intubated; a laryngeal mask was placed on 157 of these patients. The complication rate was 5%, and the 3 most frequently observed complications were desaturation, bronchospasm and pharyngeal injuries. In the group having complications, the body mass index value, Cormack-Lehane, Mallampati, and ventilation scores were significantly higher than those with no complications. Conclusions: During routine general anaesthesia induction at our clinic, major or minor airway complications have developed with a frequency of 5%, and it was determined that desaturation was the most frequent reversible cause.