ABSTRACT
This chapter provides information on why, when, how and on whom anaesthetists assess the airway. Correct airway management is the primary role of an anaesthetist. Any simple assessments that can predict challenges in establishing and maintaining an airway prior to intervention can only assist the anaesthetist. All airway assessments should take place during the preoperative assessment. Prior to clinical examination, a detailed history and thorough review of the patient case notes are vital components in the assessment of any airway. When a patient with a difficult airway is encountered it is valuable to inform the patient of any problems post-operatively. Certain congenital conditions are associated with a difficult airway: Down's syndrome, Pierre Robin's syndrome, Klippel-Feil's syndrome and Treacher Collins' syndrome. Anaesthetic charts from previous surgery are invaluable. They should highlight: any ventilation or intubation problems encountered; laryngoscopy grade; and what airway techniques have previously been used and how well these worked.
