Introduction

 

 

Information on a previously experienced difficult airway (DA) and the presence of congental abnormalities and acquired diseases frequently associated with a DA and physical airway examinations are essential to consider whether problems with airway management (AM) are likely and which is the best strategy for AM in the individual patient requiring general anesthesia (1, 2, 13). Furthermore, standardized documentation, dissemination, and communication of the experienced DA are advisable.

 

There are no data available on preoperative airway evaluation and the documentation, dissemination, and communication of DA information at anesthesia departments in Austria. In a comprehensive survey questionnaire for the year 2004, questions were also prepared to evaluate their attention to the problem of the DA. The results of this survey were intended to establish a basis for improvements.

 

 

Materials and Methods