Evaluation of Anterior Neck Ultrasound in Predicting Difficult Airway in Obese Patients

Obese patients are at increased risk of difficult airway management due to anatomical changes in the anterior neck soft tissues. Accurate preoperative prediction of difficult airway remains challenging using conventional clinical airway assessment tests alone. This prospective observational study aims to evaluate the role of ultrasound assessment of anterior neck soft tissue thickness in predicting difficult airway risk in overweight and obese adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia. Ultrasound-based anterior neck measurements will be compared with standard clinical airway assessment parameters to determine their diagnostic accuracy for difficult laryngoscopy and intubation. The results of this study may contribute to improved preoperative airway risk stratification and safer airway management in obese patients.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18-70 years * ASA physical status I-III \* BMI \>25 kg/m² * Scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia Exclusion Criteria: * Emergency surgery * Pregnancy * Maxillofacial anomalies or neck masses * Rapid sequence induction * Previous history of difficult intubation * BMI \>60 kg/m²