Airway Examination

You will undergo a brief physical exam by the physician in the Preop Clinic with special emphasis on aspects of your health that are pertinent to the administration of anesthesia. One area of particular concern to anesthesiologists is examination of the airway (mouth, throat, voice box and windpipe). Often, the anesthesiologist must breathe for the anesthetized patient, and must have a means of delivering oxygen and anesthetic gases into the airway. It is crucial that we recognize any abnormalities of the airway early so that we may make plans for management during your operation.