[Noninvasive evaluation of airways prior to sedation or anesthesia : An update within the framework of the revision of the German S1 guidelines on airway management 2015 of the German Society for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine].

As a single and reliable parameter for prediction of the difficult airway is missing, the specialist societies for anesthesiology recommend the use of scores that combine the individual parameters. Contemporary scores include head-neck mobility, mouth opening and anatomical distances. Their training and correct performance are essential. For a broad acceptance the performance has to be easy and fast. In addition, before anesthesia a check must be made for pathological alterations (e.g. tumors) in the head and neck region and the patient history must be thoroughly determined. If the patient reports difficulties with securing the airway in the past, these are likely to occur again if they have not been surgically resolved. This includes an accurate documentation of the airway and knowledge of the in-house standard operating procedure on unexpected difficult airways as well as local equipment. Preparation causes work but may save lives.