Edentulousness in difficult bag-mask ventilation

Q: Edentulousness (no teeth) is one of the reason for the difficult bag-mask ventilation (BMV) before/during intubation? 

A) True 
B) False 

 Answer: A (True) 

A proper set of teeth supports the cheeks and provides a framework against which the mask fits. 

Learning objective of this question is to leave patient dentures in situ while BMV is underway. They can be removed just before direct laryngoscopy for intubation. 

Besides this, other indications for difficult BMV are prior radiation, obesity, age, male gender, and others.


#procedures   


Reference:

Conlon NP, Sullivan RP, Herbison PG, et al. The effect of leaving dentures in place on bag-mask ventilation at induction of general anesthesia. Anesth Analg 2007; 105:370.