For the 2026–2027 academic year, this page covers difficult airway thesis topics in anaesthesiology across clinical bedside airway assessment, anthropometric predictors, airway ultrasonography, direct and video laryngoscopy, difficult mask ventilation, supraglottic airway rescue, special populations, head and neck conditions, emergency airways and combined prediction models. The topics are intended for MD and DNB Anaesthesiology candidates and emphasise diagnostic accuracy, cross-sectional, observational and comparative designs feasible with routine perioperative resources. Candidates searching for difficult airway research topics in anesthesia can develop a focused difficult airway protocol in anaesthesiology or difficult airway synopsis by defining the index test and reference outcome before recruitment.
Last reviewed and updated: August 2026 · 2026–27 admissions
Clinical Bedside Airway Assessment
- An analytical cross-sectional study of the association between modified Mallampati class and difficult direct laryngoscopy in adult patients undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of the upper lip bite test for predicting difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- An observational cross-sectional study of thyromental distance as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation in adults undergoing general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of sternomental distance and its association with difficult laryngoscopy in adult elective surgical patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of interincisor distance for predicting difficult tracheal intubation in adult patients receiving general anesthesia.
- An observational cross-sectional study of restricted mouth opening and its association with difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of cervical spine extension measured clinically and its association with difficult laryngoscopy during general anesthesia.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of mandibular protrusion ability for predicting difficult tracheal intubation in adult surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of modified Mallampati classification and upper lip bite test for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in adults undergoing general anesthesia.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of thyromental distance and sternomental distance as predictors of difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of combined modified Mallampati class, thyromental distance, and interincisor distance for identifying patients with difficult laryngoscopy.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of the Wilson risk score for prediction of difficult tracheal intubation in adult patients undergoing elective surgery.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of the El-Ganzouri risk index for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of modified Mallampati classification and El-Ganzouri risk index for identifying difficult airways in adults undergoing general anesthesia.
- An observational cross-sectional study of dentition abnormalities and their association with difficult laryngoscopy and tracheal intubation in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of prominent upper incisors and overbite as clinical predictors of difficult laryngoscopy during general anesthesia.
- An observational cross-sectional study of retrognathia and its association with difficult laryngoscopy and difficult tracheal intubation in adult patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of clinically assessed mandibular length and its association with difficult laryngoscopy in adults undergoing elective surgery.
- An observational cross-sectional study of limited temporomandibular joint movement and its association with difficult tracheal intubation in surgical patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of the ratio of patient height to thyromental distance for predicting difficult laryngoscopy in adults.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of the ratio of neck circumference to thyromental distance and difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of bedside airway assessment findings between patients with easy and difficult laryngoscopy during general anesthesia.
- An observational cross-sectional study of previous history suggestive of difficult airway and its association with difficult laryngoscopy at the current surgical encounter.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of reduced atlanto-occipital extension and its association with difficult direct laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of the lower jaw protrusion test for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy during general anesthesia.
- An observational cross-sectional study of facial profile abnormalities and their association with difficult tracheal intubation in adults undergoing surgery.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of palpable hyoid position and its association with difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of single bedside airway tests and combined bedside airway tests for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of interobserver agreement in modified Mallampati classification and its relationship with difficult laryngoscopy in adult patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of demographic and bedside airway characteristics associated with difficult laryngoscopy in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia.
Anthropometric and External Anatomical Predictors
- An analytical cross-sectional study of body mass index and its association with difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- An observational cross-sectional study of neck circumference as a predictor of difficult tracheal intubation in adults undergoing general anesthesia.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of neck circumference for identifying difficult laryngoscopy in overweight and obese adult patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of neck circumference to thyromental distance ratio and difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of difficult laryngoscopy among normal-weight, overweight, and obese adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of waist circumference and its association with difficult laryngoscopy in adults undergoing elective surgery.
- An observational cross-sectional study of waist-to-height ratio and difficult tracheal intubation in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of neck circumference to height ratio as a predictor of difficult laryngoscopy in adult patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of thyromental height for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in adults undergoing general anesthesia.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of thyromental height and thyromental distance for predicting difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of mandibular length and difficult laryngoscopy in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia.
- An observational cross-sectional study of neck length and its association with difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of short neck appearance and objective neck measurements in relation to difficult laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of anthropometric airway measurements between male and female patients with difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of age-related changes in external airway measurements and their association with difficult laryngoscopy.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of the ratio of thyromental distance to patient height for predicting difficult tracheal intubation.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of the ratio of sternomental distance to patient height and its association with difficult laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of facial width and difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of mandibular width and its association with difficult laryngoscopy during general anesthesia.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of the ratio of mandibular length to neck circumference for predicting difficult laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of submental soft tissue prominence assessed clinically and its association with difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of double-chin appearance and difficult mask ventilation and laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of neck anthropometric parameters among patients with easy, moderately difficult, and difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of upper-to-lower facial height proportion and its association with difficult tracheal intubation.
- An observational cross-sectional study of craniofacial asymmetry and its relationship with difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of combined neck circumference and mouth opening measurements for predicting difficult laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of body mass index and neck circumference as predictors of difficult laryngoscopy in adults undergoing general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of body habitus, neck morphology, and difficult tracheal intubation in adult surgical patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of a simple anthropometric combination of neck circumference, thyromental distance, and mouth opening for difficult airway prediction.
- An observational cross-sectional study of external anatomical characteristics associated with difficult laryngoscopy in adult patients undergoing elective surgery.
Airway Ultrasonography
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured anterior neck soft tissue thickness at the level of the vocal cords for predicting difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured skin-to-epiglottis distance and difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of pre-epiglottic soft tissue thickness measured by ultrasonography for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured tongue thickness and its association with difficult laryngoscopy in adults undergoing general anesthesia.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of tongue volume assessed by airway ultrasonography for identifying patients at risk of difficult laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured hyomental distance and difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of hyomental distance measured in neutral and extended head positions by ultrasonography for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of the hyomental distance ratio measured by ultrasonography for predicting difficult tracheal intubation.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured distance from skin to hyoid bone and difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured anterior neck soft tissue thickness at the hyoid level for predicting difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured anterior neck soft tissue thickness at the thyrohyoid membrane and difficult laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured skin-to-epiglottis distance and modified Mallampati class for difficult airway prediction.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured tongue thickness and neck circumference for predicting difficult laryngoscopy in obese patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured tongue thickness to thyromental distance ratio for predicting difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured pre-epiglottic space and its association with Cormack-Lehane laryngoscopic grade.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of ultrasound visualization of the hyoid bone as a marker of difficult laryngoscopy in adult patients.
- An observational cross-sectional study of ultrasound-assessed tongue base thickness and difficult tracheal intubation in adults undergoing surgery.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of clinical thyromental distance and ultrasound-measured hyomental distance for predicting difficult laryngoscopy.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured submental soft tissue thickness for predicting difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured distance from skin to the anterior commissure of the vocal cords and difficult laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway ultrasonography and conventional bedside airway tests for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of combined ultrasound-measured skin-to-epiglottis distance and modified Mallampati classification for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured tongue thickness, neck circumference, and difficult laryngoscopy in overweight adults.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of dynamic ultrasound-measured change in hyomental distance with head extension for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of ultrasound-measured epiglottic depth and difficult tracheal intubation in adult surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of anterior neck soft tissue thickness measured at multiple ultrasound levels in patients with easy and difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of ultrasound-derived airway measurements and Intubation Difficulty Scale scores in adult patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of a combined ultrasonographic airway parameter model for predicting difficult laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of ultrasonographic airway measurements in obese and non-obese adults with reference to difficult laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of feasibility and diagnostic performance of bedside airway ultrasonography for difficult airway assessment in a tertiary care hospital.
Direct Laryngoscopy and Intubation Characteristics
- An analytical cross-sectional study of preoperative airway predictors associated with Cormack-Lehane grade three or four laryngoscopic view during direct laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of factors associated with increased Intubation Difficulty Scale score during direct laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of multiple tracheal intubation attempts during direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia.
- An observational cross-sectional study of clinical factors associated with prolonged tracheal intubation time during direct laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in patients requiring one versus multiple direct laryngoscopy attempts for successful intubation.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of need for external laryngeal manipulation during direct laryngoscopy in adult patients.
- An observational cross-sectional study of factors associated with need for a gum elastic bougie during difficult direct laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of preoperative airway parameters among patients intubated with and without a stylet during direct laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of poor glottic visualization despite optimal head positioning during direct laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of the relationship between modified Mallampati class and Cormack-Lehane laryngoscopic grade.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of upper lip bite test for predicting high Cormack-Lehane grade during direct laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of thyromental distance and Intubation Difficulty Scale score during direct laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in patients with complete versus incomplete glottic visualization during direct laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of reasons for unanticipated difficult direct laryngoscopy among adult elective surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of patient positioning and difficult direct laryngoscopy in overweight and obese adults.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of laryngoscopic view in patients managed in conventional sniffing position and ramped position as part of routine anesthesia practice.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult laryngoscopy in patients requiring backward, upward, and rightward laryngeal pressure during intubation.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of failed first-attempt direct laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics associated with successful first-attempt and repeated-attempt tracheal intubation.
- An observational cross-sectional study of blade size selection and difficult direct laryngoscopy in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of dental status and difficulty of Macintosh laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of difficult laryngoscopy characteristics in younger and older adult patients undergoing general anesthesia.
- An observational cross-sectional study of operator-assessed difficult laryngoscopy and objectively measured Intubation Difficulty Scale score.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of preoperative airway predictors of need for alternative intubation aids following difficult direct laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of preoperative clinical airway parameters in patients with Cormack-Lehane grades one and two versus grades three and four.
- An observational cross-sectional study of unanticipated difficult laryngoscopy despite apparently normal bedside airway examination.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of combinations of mouth opening, neck movement, and thyromental distance associated with difficult direct laryngoscopy.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of bedside airway tests for predicting need for more than one direct laryngoscopy attempt.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult direct laryngoscopy and immediately identifiable patient-related anatomical factors in routine surgical practice.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of independent clinical predictors of difficult direct laryngoscopy in adult patients at a tertiary care teaching hospital.
Videolaryngoscopy and Alternative Laryngoscopic Techniques
- A comparative cross-sectional study of glottic visualization with direct laryngoscopy and videolaryngoscopy in patients with predicted difficult airway.
- An observational cross-sectional study of patient factors associated with difficult videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of prolonged videolaryngoscopic intubation time in adults with anticipated difficult airway.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of first-attempt tracheal intubation success with direct laryngoscopy and videolaryngoscopy in patients receiving routine clinical care.
- An observational cross-sectional study of factors associated with need for adjunctive stylet use during videolaryngoscopic intubation.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of difficult tube advancement despite adequate glottic visualization during videolaryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of glottic visualization and intubation difficulty with channelled and non-channelled videolaryngoscopes in difficult airway patients.
- An observational cross-sectional study of airway characteristics associated with poor videolaryngoscopic view in adult surgical patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of conventional bedside airway tests for predicting difficult videolaryngoscopic intubation.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of neck circumference and difficulty of videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation in obese adults.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of videolaryngoscopic intubation characteristics in obese and non-obese adult surgical patients.
- An observational cross-sectional study of modified Mallampati class and videolaryngoscopic glottic view in adults undergoing general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of limited cervical movement and videolaryngoscopic intubation difficulty in adult patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of direct laryngoscopic and videolaryngoscopic glottic views in patients with restricted neck movement.
- An observational cross-sectional study of videolaryngoscope use as a rescue technique after difficult direct laryngoscopy in routine anesthesia practice.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of successful rescue videolaryngoscopy after an inadequate direct laryngoscopic view.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway parameters in patients with concordant and discordant direct and video laryngoscopic views.
- An observational cross-sectional study of reasons for failed tracheal tube passage despite videolaryngoscopic visualization of the vocal cords.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of mouth opening and feasibility of videolaryngoscopy in patients with predicted difficult airway.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of intubation difficulty with standard geometry and hyperangulated videolaryngoscopes in routine difficult airway management.
- An observational cross-sectional study of operator experience and videolaryngoscopic intubation difficulty in a postgraduate teaching hospital.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of patient and operator factors associated with first-attempt videolaryngoscopic intubation success.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of videolaryngoscopic intubation characteristics between elective and emergency surgical patients with difficult airways.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult videolaryngoscopy among patients with normal direct clinical airway assessment.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of ultrasound airway measurements for prediction of difficult videolaryngoscopic intubation.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of conventional bedside assessment and airway ultrasonography for prediction of difficult videolaryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of anterior neck soft tissue thickness and difficulty of videolaryngoscopic tracheal intubation in obese patients.
- An observational cross-sectional study of the relationship between videolaryngoscopic glottic view and Intubation Difficulty Scale score.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of tracheal intubation characteristics with videolaryngoscopy among patients with anticipated and unanticipated difficult airways.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of clinical determinants of difficult videolaryngoscopic intubation in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia.
Difficult Mask Ventilation and Supraglottic Airway Rescue
- An analytical cross-sectional study of clinical predictors of difficult face-mask ventilation in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia.
- An observational cross-sectional study of body mass index, neck circumference, and difficult mask ventilation in adult surgical patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of modified Mallampati class for predicting difficult face-mask ventilation.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of beard, absent teeth, and facial anatomy as predictors of difficult mask ventilation.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in patients with easy and difficult face-mask ventilation during induction of general anesthesia.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult mask ventilation and its association with difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of combined difficult mask ventilation and difficult tracheal intubation.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of neck circumference for prediction of difficult face-mask ventilation in obese adults.
- An observational cross-sectional study of snoring history and difficult face-mask ventilation in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of mandibular protrusion limitation and difficult mask ventilation during induction of anesthesia.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of difficult mask ventilation among normal-weight and obese adult surgical patients.
- An observational cross-sectional study of factors associated with requirement for two-person mask ventilation during induction of general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of clinical predictors of need for an oropharyngeal airway during difficult face-mask ventilation.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of preoperative airway findings in patients requiring single-person and two-person mask ventilation.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult face-mask ventilation in elderly surgical patients and associated anatomical factors.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of supraglottic airway insertion difficulty during difficult airway rescue.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of supraglottic airway insertion characteristics in patients with easy and difficult laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of factors associated with multiple supraglottic airway insertion attempts in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of mouth opening and supraglottic airway insertion difficulty in adult patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of supraglottic airway insertion difficulty in obese and non-obese adult surgical patients.
- An observational cross-sectional study of oropharyngeal leak pressure and clinical airway characteristics in patients managed with supraglottic airway devices.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of inadequate ventilation through a supraglottic airway device in adult patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in patients with adequate and inadequate supraglottic airway ventilation.
- An observational cross-sectional study of rescue supraglottic airway use following difficult face-mask ventilation or difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of patient factors associated with successful supraglottic airway rescue after failed initial airway management.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of bedside airway parameters for predicting difficult supraglottic airway placement.
- An observational cross-sectional study of supraglottic airway performance in patients identified preoperatively as having a potentially difficult airway.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of difficult supraglottic airway placement among patients with normal and restricted mouth opening.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of difficult mask ventilation, difficult laryngoscopy, and common preoperative airway predictors in adult surgical patients.
- An observational cross-sectional study of patterns of difficult ventilation and rescue airway device use during routine general anesthesia in a tertiary care hospital.
Difficult Airway in Special Patient Populations
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of difficult laryngoscopy in obese adult patients undergoing general anesthesia.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of bedside airway parameters in obese patients with easy and difficult laryngoscopy.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of neck circumference for prediction of difficult tracheal intubation in morbidly obese surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of body mass index, neck circumference, and thyromental distance as predictors of difficult laryngoscopy in obese adults.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of modified Mallampati classification and neck circumference for difficult airway prediction in obese patients.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult mask ventilation and laryngoscopy among obese adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of clinical predictors of difficult laryngoscopy in pregnant women undergoing cesarean delivery under general anesthesia.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway parameters in pregnant and non-pregnant women with reference to difficult laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of modified Mallampati class and difficult laryngoscopy among parturients requiring general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of neck circumference and difficult airway characteristics in pregnant women undergoing operative delivery.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of upper lip bite test for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in pregnant surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of bedside airway assessment findings between women with and without difficult laryngoscopy during cesarean delivery.
- An observational cross-sectional study of age-appropriate bedside airway parameters and difficult laryngoscopy in pediatric surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of craniofacial measurements associated with difficult laryngoscopy in children undergoing general anesthesia.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in children with easy and difficult laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of mouth opening, mandibular anatomy, and difficult tracheal intubation in older children undergoing surgery.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of age, weight, and anatomical airway characteristics associated with difficult laryngoscopy in pediatric patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of selected bedside airway measurements for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in adolescents.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult laryngoscopy in elderly patients undergoing general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of age-related reduction in cervical mobility and difficult laryngoscopy among elderly surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway parameters in elderly and younger adults with reference to difficult tracheal intubation.
- An observational cross-sectional study of edentulous state and difficult mask ventilation in elderly surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of dentition, mandibular mobility, and difficult laryngoscopy among elderly adults.
- An observational cross-sectional study of the palm print test and difficult laryngoscopy in patients with diabetes mellitus.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of the prayer sign for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in patients with diabetes mellitus.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of difficult laryngoscopy and airway characteristics in patients with and without diabetes mellitus.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of duration of diabetes mellitus, joint mobility limitation, and difficult laryngoscopy assessed at a single perioperative encounter.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult airway characteristics in patients with rheumatoid arthritis undergoing surgery under general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of limited cervical spine and temporomandibular joint mobility as predictors of difficult laryngoscopy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway assessment parameters among patients with common systemic diseases and patients without systemic disease undergoing general anesthesia.
Head, Neck, Maxillofacial, and Cervical Spine Conditions
- An analytical cross-sectional study of difficult airway predictors in patients with thyroid swelling undergoing surgery under general anesthesia.
- An observational cross-sectional study of tracheal deviation and difficult laryngoscopy in patients with large thyroid swellings.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway assessment findings in patients with thyroid swelling with and without difficult tracheal intubation.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of neck circumference and difficult laryngoscopy in patients undergoing thyroid surgery.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of conventional bedside airway tests for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in patients with thyroid enlargement.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult laryngoscopy in patients with oral cavity tumors undergoing surgery under general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of restricted mouth opening and difficult tracheal intubation in patients with oral malignancy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in patients with oral cavity tumors having easy and difficult laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of tongue involvement by oral tumors and difficult airway characteristics during anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of mandibular involvement and difficult laryngoscopy in patients undergoing surgery for oral malignancy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult airway characteristics in patients with temporomandibular joint ankylosis presenting for surgery.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway assessment findings in patients with unilateral and bilateral temporomandibular joint restriction.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of mouth opening and mandibular movement as determinants of difficult airway in temporomandibular joint disorders.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult laryngoscopy in patients with previous head and neck surgery.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of previous neck irradiation and difficult airway characteristics in patients undergoing subsequent surgery.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway parameters in patients with and without previous head and neck radiotherapy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult airway characteristics in patients with post-burn neck contracture.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of neck extension limitation and difficult airway severity in patients with post-burn neck contracture.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway assessment findings in patients with mild and severe post-burn neck contracture.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult airway predictors in patients with maxillofacial trauma requiring general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of facial swelling, mouth opening, and difficult laryngoscopy in maxillofacial trauma patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in mandibular and midfacial fractures with reference to difficult intubation.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult laryngoscopy in patients with restricted cervical spine movement.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of cervical spine mobility and glottic visualization during laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in patients with normal and restricted cervical spine movement.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of bedside airway assessment for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in patients with cervical spine disease.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult airway characteristics in patients with ankylosing spondylitis undergoing general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of cervical movement restriction and difficult laryngoscopy in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of conventional airway assessment and ultrasonographic airway measurements in patients with restricted cervical movement.
- An observational cross-sectional study of anatomical and disease-related factors associated with difficult airway management in patients undergoing head and neck surgery.
Emergency, Trauma, and Critical Care Difficult Airway
- An observational cross-sectional study of prevalence and predictors of difficult tracheal intubation in adult emergency surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of patient-related factors associated with difficult laryngoscopy during emergency general anesthesia.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in elective and emergency surgical patients with difficult laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of unanticipated difficult airway in emergency surgical patients at a tertiary care hospital.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of limited preoperative airway assessment and difficult laryngoscopy in emergency surgery.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult tracheal intubation among adult trauma patients requiring emergency general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of facial trauma, cervical immobilization, and difficult laryngoscopy in trauma patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in trauma patients with and without cervical spine immobilization.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult laryngoscopy in patients requiring rigid cervical immobilization during emergency surgery.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of cervical immobilization and first-attempt tracheal intubation difficulty in trauma patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of direct and video laryngoscopic airway characteristics in cervical immobilization during routine trauma airway management.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult airway characteristics among patients requiring tracheal intubation in an intensive care unit.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of difficult laryngoscopy among critically ill adults requiring tracheal intubation.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult face-mask ventilation immediately preceding tracheal intubation in critically ill patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in critically ill patients with successful and failed first-attempt tracheal intubation.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of anatomical and situational factors associated with multiple intubation attempts in critically ill adults.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult airway management among patients requiring emergency tracheal intubation in the emergency department.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of difficult emergency department tracheal intubation in adult patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of difficult airway characteristics in medical and surgical emergency patients requiring tracheal intubation.
- An observational cross-sectional study of unanticipated difficult laryngoscopy during emergency tracheal intubation outside the operating theatre.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of patient positioning and difficult tracheal intubation in emergency and critically ill patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway characteristics in patients intubated inside and outside the operating theatre.
- An observational cross-sectional study of airway adjunct use during difficult emergency tracheal intubation at a tertiary care teaching hospital.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of factors associated with requirement for rescue videolaryngoscopy during emergency airway management.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of clinical airway predictors among emergency patients with successful and unsuccessful first-attempt laryngoscopy.
- An observational cross-sectional study of difficult airway patterns in emergency surgical patients presenting during daytime and nighttime duty periods.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of operator experience and difficult tracheal intubation characteristics during emergency airway management.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of difficult airway characteristics in emergency tracheal intubations performed by postgraduate trainees and senior anesthesiologists.
- An observational cross-sectional study of immediate airway management challenges encountered during emergency tracheal intubation in a tertiary care hospital.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of clinical predictors of difficult airway management among emergency and critically ill adult patients.
Combined Prediction Models and Diagnostic Accuracy
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of combined modified Mallampati class and thyromental distance for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of combined modified Mallampati class, interincisor distance, and cervical movement for predicting difficult laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of individual and combined bedside airway tests for prediction of difficult tracheal intubation.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of the incremental value of neck circumference added to conventional bedside airway assessment for difficult laryngoscopy prediction.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of a simple composite score using modified Mallampati class, thyromental distance, and upper lip bite test for difficult airway prediction.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of the Wilson risk score and El-Ganzouri risk index for prediction of difficult tracheal intubation.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of a simplified bedside airway assessment model for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of combinations of anthropometric and clinical airway parameters associated with difficult laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of clinical airway assessment alone and combined clinical plus ultrasonographic assessment for predicting difficult laryngoscopy.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of combined skin-to-epiglottis distance and neck circumference for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of combined tongue thickness, thyromental distance, and modified Mallampati class for identification of difficult laryngoscopy.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of combined ultrasonographic hyomental distance ratio and upper lip bite test for prediction of difficult intubation.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of conventional bedside, anthropometric, and ultrasonographic airway parameters for difficult airway prediction.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of independent predictors of difficult laryngoscopy using routinely available bedside airway measurements.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of a resource-limited difficult airway prediction model suitable for routine use in Indian teaching hospitals.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of difficult airway prediction using single clinical parameters versus a multivariable bedside assessment model.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of demographic, anthropometric, and airway examination variables associated with difficult tracheal intubation.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of a combined model using neck circumference, mouth opening, thyromental distance, and cervical movement for difficult laryngoscopy.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway prediction performance of modified Mallampati class alone and modified Mallampati class combined with upper lip bite test.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of a three-parameter bedside model for predicting Cormack-Lehane grade three or four laryngoscopy.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of clinical variables associated with unanticipated difficult laryngoscopy despite apparently normal conventional airway assessment.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of airway assessment profiles in anticipated and unanticipated difficult laryngoscopy.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of combined clinical and ultrasound airway parameters for predicting requirement of multiple tracheal intubation attempts.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of predictors of difficult mask ventilation and difficult laryngoscopy using a common preoperative airway assessment dataset.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of a combined model for predicting simultaneous difficult mask ventilation and difficult tracheal intubation.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of diagnostic performance of routinely used difficult airway tests among obese and non-obese adult surgical patients.
- An analytical cross-sectional study of sex-specific differences in clinical predictors of difficult laryngoscopy among adult surgical patients.
- A diagnostic accuracy cross-sectional study of age-adjusted bedside airway parameters for prediction of difficult laryngoscopy in adult patients.
- A comparative cross-sectional study of conventional clinical assessment and a simplified composite difficult airway score in adult patients undergoing general anesthesia.
- An analytical cross-sectional study for development of a practical bedside prediction model using clinical, anthropometric, and ultrasonographic parameters for identification of difficult laryngoscopy in adult surgical patients at an Indian tertiary care teaching hospital.
📌 Updated for 2026–2027 MD and DNB Anaesthesiology admissions
The topics emphasise practical difficult-airway prediction using routinely obtainable clinical, anthropometric, ultrasonographic and laryngoscopic variables.
- Feasible resources include bedside airway tests, measuring tape or callipers, routine laryngoscopy records, Intubation Difficulty Scale data and standard airway ultrasonography where available.
- Advanced computed tomography measurements, magnetic resonance imaging, specialised three-dimensional imaging and expensive research-only investigations are not required for most projects.
- Publication potential is strongest when the index test, threshold, reference standard, operator experience and definitions of difficult mask ventilation, difficult laryngoscopy and difficult tracheal intubation are prespecified.
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- Introduction / Synopsis
- Research Question
- Aim of the Study
- Primary Objective
- Secondary Objectives
- Materials and Methods
- Inclusion Criteria
- Exclusion Criteria
- Sample Size Calculation
- Methodology
- Statistical Analysis
- Ethical Considerations
- Review of Literature
- References
- Gantt Chart / Study Timeline
- Patient Information Sheet
- Consent Form
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Alongside difficult Airway In Anaesthesia protocols and synopses, support is also available for departmental presentations, journal club presentations, ethics committee presentations, and posters and oral presentations for medical conferences — for postgraduate residents, board trainees and research scholars across India and the GCC. Prepared by a practising doctor with long experience in medical publishing and thesis supervision.
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Difficult Airway In Anaesthesia research outside India
The topics above work as research questions anywhere — what changes is the document the institution expects, and who approves it before data collection begins. The Gulf equivalent of an Indian synopsis is the difficult Airway In Anaesthesia research proposal submitted to an institutional review board, and it ordinarily carries three sections an Indian synopsis does not: a Gantt chart, a budget and resources section, and a Declaration of Helsinki statement.
Board and residency programmes — country by country
Saudi Arabia — SCFHS and the Saudi Board. Residency and fellowship training under the Saudi Commission for Health Specialties includes a research project with a set timeline, and the difficult Airway In Anaesthesia research proposal is the document prepared at the outset and cleared by the institutional review board before recruitment starts.
United Arab Emirates — DHA, DOH Abu Dhabi and MOHAP. Residents training in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the northern emirates prepare a difficult Airway In Anaesthesia research protocol for their programme and submit it for institutional review board approval before any data are collected.
Qatar — QCHP and Hamad Medical Corporation. A difficult Airway In Anaesthesia IRB proposal is reviewed before recruitment, with the ethics section written to the institution's own template rather than a generic one.
Bahrain — NHRA. Trainees turning difficult Airway In Anaesthesia research topics into a project need the proposal cleared by their institutional research and ethics committee before fieldwork begins.
Oman — OMSB. Residency programmes under the Oman Medical Specialty Board include a research component, and the difficult Airway In Anaesthesia research proposal is the document assessed at the start of it.
Kuwait — KIMS. A difficult Airway In Anaesthesia study protocol goes to the institutional committee for approval before the project begins.
Arab Board programmes across the region. The Arab Board carries its own research requirement irrespective of the host country, and the difficult Airway In Anaesthesia proposal follows the same structure throughout.
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Postgraduate degrees — Malaysia, the Gulf and beyond
Malaysia — MMed, the National Medical Research Register and MREC. A difficult Airway In Anaesthesia dissertation proposal for a Master of Medicine programme carried out in a Ministry of Health facility must be registered on the NMRR and approved by the Medical Research and Ethics Committee before the study begins, and the guidance asks for submission four to six months ahead of data collection. Every investigator on the study team registers on the NMRR as well, so the methodology, ethics and team sections are written in far more detail than an Indian synopsis requires.
PhD and Master's candidates elsewhere. University programmes generally require a full difficult Airway In Anaesthesia research proposal of roughly 6,000 to 10,000 words, with an extended literature review, a theoretical framework and a detailed methodology chapter.
PhD and MMed proposals are written individually by a medical doctor and revised until the supervisor accepts them. They are not produced by the automated protocol generator.
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🔥 Trending research areas in difficult airway assessment for 2026–27
- Airway ultrasonography: skin-to-epiglottis distance, tongue thickness, hyomental distance and anterior neck soft tissue measurements provide objective bedside predictors.
- Composite prediction models: combining clinical, anthropometric and ultrasound variables may improve discrimination compared with a single airway test.
- Videolaryngoscopy prediction: predictors of poor view, prolonged intubation and difficult tube advancement are increasingly relevant in routine difficult-airway practice.
- High-risk populations: obesity, pregnancy, restricted cervical movement, head and neck disease, trauma and critical illness allow evaluation of airway predictors across different settings.
Protocol and synopsis guidance
What a difficult airway protocol in anaesthesiology must contain
Define the endpoint before recruitment. Difficult mask ventilation, difficult laryngoscopy, multiple intubation attempts and difficult tracheal intubation are distinct outcomes.
Standardise the index test. State patient position, measurement technique, assessor training and threshold for each clinical, anthropometric or ultrasound variable.
Specify the reference outcome. Record the laryngoscopy device, laryngoscopic grade where relevant, attempts, adjuncts, intubation time, operator experience and rescue technique using prespecified definitions.
Difficult airway synopsis versus difficult airway protocol in anaesthesiology
A synopsis presents the question, rationale, objectives and broad methodology. The protocol specifies how every airway measurement is obtained, the diagnostic threshold, reference standard, laryngoscopy technique, operator classification, difficult-airway definition and handling of indeterminate observations.
Sample size and statistical analysis
Base sample size on the primary objective. Diagnostic accuracy studies should consider expected sensitivity or specificity and prevalence of the reference outcome, while association studies should use the anticipated effect size.
Report diagnostic performance appropriately. Sensitivity, specificity, predictive values, likelihood ratios and receiver operating characteristic analysis may be relevant.
Avoid overfitting prediction models. Multivariable models require enough difficult-airway events for the candidate predictors, and development-sample performance should not be presented as external validation.
Frequently Asked Questions – Difficult Airway In Anaesthesia Thesis Topics (2026–27)
1. How do I choose a feasible difficult airway thesis topic in 2026?
Choose a question matching your airway case mix, available equipment and eligible patient numbers. Bedside tests, anthropometry, airway ultrasonography, laryngoscopy, difficult mask ventilation and diagnostic prediction models are practical areas. Fix one primary difficult-airway endpoint before recruitment.
2. Which study designs are accepted for difficult airway research?
Cross-sectional diagnostic accuracy, analytical cross-sectional, observational and comparative cross-sectional designs are particularly suitable. Match the design to whether the objective is prediction, association, comparison or description.
3. What should I settle with my guide before starting the study?
Agree on the index airway test, reference outcome, patient population, operator level and exact definitions of difficult mask ventilation, difficult laryngoscopy and difficult tracheal intubation. Also fix how laryngoscopic grade, attempts, intubation time, adjunct use and rescue techniques will be recorded.
4. Can difficult airway research be done with routine hospital resources?
Yes. Many projects require only standard bedside airway examination, simple anthropometric measurements, routine laryngoscopy records and commonly available airway equipment. Airway ultrasonography is suitable where a standard ultrasound machine is available.
5. What is the difference between a difficult airway synopsis and a difficult airway protocol?
The synopsis gives the rationale, objectives and broad methodology. The protocol additionally specifies how each measurement is performed, the index-test threshold, reference standard, patient positioning, laryngoscopy technique, operator experience and difficult-airway definition.
6. What ethical issues should I address in difficult airway research?
Prospective research requires informed consent and must never expose patients to additional unsafe airway attempts solely for study data. Clinical airway management takes priority. Extra radiation, contrast or research-only venepuncture should not be introduced unless justified and approved. Identifiable photographs or video require separate consent, and an anticipated or unexpectedly difficult airway should activate the institution's established difficult-airway management pathway.
7. Why must difficult laryngoscopy and difficult tracheal intubation be defined separately?
Poor glottic visualisation and difficult tube placement are related but not identical outcomes. A poor direct laryngoscopic view may still permit easy intubation with an adjunct, while adequate visualisation may be followed by difficult tube advancement. The reference endpoint must therefore be defined before data collection.
8. How is a PhD proposal different from an MD or DNB Anaesthesiology synopsis on difficult airway?
An MD or DNB synopsis usually addresses a focused diagnostic or observational question feasible in routine perioperative practice. A PhD proposal generally requires broader originality, external validation, larger or multicentre datasets, advanced modelling or several linked objectives.
9. When should I register my difficult airway thesis topic?
Register after confirming sufficient eligible cases, consistent access to required airway equipment and a standard method for recording the reference outcome. Diagnostic studies should finalise measurement technique, assessor training and blinding wherever feasible before recruitment.
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