What is the Mallampati score?

Mallampati score, also referred to as Malamati classification, is a medical scoring system used in anesthesiology to determine the potential level of difficulty and the subsequent risk of intubation of the patient undergoing surgery. The score determines the evaluation for the patient, from class and class IV. Class I assessment indicates a patient who should prove to be relatively easy to intubate. The highest rating, class IV, is assigned to patients with a higher risk of complications.

Intubation is essential during anesthesia to provide means of artificial respiration, while the patient is anesthetic and unable to breathe on his own. During intubation, the tube is inserted into the neck into the airways. The tube can then be connected either to a mask or an artificial fan to provide the patient with oxygen during the procedure.

Mallampati classification is determined by the visual observation of the oral cavity. The Establish score Mallampati is performed with the patient in an upright position, with the head held in the neutral POlos. When the patient holds open mouth wide and expands the tongue, the technician controls clear visibility of pharynx structures.

Class and Malmampathi scores are given when the soft palate, almonds, front and rear columns are easily visible, and the whole UVula - a piece of soft tissue hanging down from the roof of the mouth near the back of the tongue -. Class II scores are shown when you can see the soft floor, almonds and most Uvula. In cases where only the soft floor and UVula base are visible, patients are assigned to class III. The Mallampati Class IV score is reserved for cases where no soft floor is visible at all. Patients with class III or Class IV result are likely to be difficult to intubate and other preparations such as the use of the bag respirator.

measuring the potential difficulty of intubation in the patient is an important stepin the process of anesthesia. Mallampati scores are often used in conjunction with other tests, such as thyromental distance, measurement ranging from the highest point of the thyroid cartilage to the chin. It is also useful to measure the neck extension to the Atlanto -Ccipital joint, the point where the skull adjacent to the spine. In view of the results of Majlampati in combination with other assessments, it leads to a more comprehensive assessment and serves to increase the patient's safety.