Does the STOP-Bang, an obstructive sleep apnea screening tool, predict difficult intubation?

A STOP-Bang score of ≥ 3 was observed in 78.6% of patients who experienced difficult intubation.

• The occurrence of difficult intubation was significantly higher in patients at high risk of obstructive sleep apnea (13.3% vs. 2.6%).
• Higher age, weight, body mass index, neck circumference, male gender, presence of comorbidities, and lower preoperative oxygen saturation were associated with a high risk of obstructive sleep apnea.
• Patients with a STOP-Bang score of ≥ 3 were more likely to experience difficult intubation compared to those with a lower score.
• Significant correlations were found between difficult intubation and factors such as greater weight, neck circumference, Mallampati score, and a STOP-Bang score of ≥ 3.

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