Airway Ultrasound in Oncologic Maxillofacial Patients

This prospective observational cohort study will evaluate ultrasound-based airway measurements in adult patients with oncologic maxillofacial disease undergoing surgery under general anesthesia. The distance from the skin to the epiglottis (DSE) and the distance from the skin to the hyoid bone (DSHB) will be measured using preoperative airway ultrasonography and compared with corresponding measurements obtained from clinically indicated preoperative computed tomography (CT) images. The study will also investigate associations between ultrasound measurements and clinical characteristics related to airway management, including difficult tracheal intubation, difficult mask ventilation, trismus, tumor location, and previous radiotherapy

Inclusion Criteria: 1. Adults aged 18 years or older. 2. Patients with oncologic disease of the maxillofacial or head and neck region. 3. Patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia with planned airway management requiring tracheal intubation. 4\. Availability of a preoperative CT examination suitable for the predefined airway measurements. 5\. Written informed consent to participate. Exclusion Criteria: 1. Age below 18 years. 2. Emergency surgery. 3. Inability to obtain interpretable ultrasound measurements. 4. CT images unsuitable for the predefined anatomical measurements. 5. Refusal to participate or inability to provide informed consent.