The Effect of Different Methods of Airway Management on the Stomatognathic System: an Observational Prospective Study.

Overview

The manipulations required during airway management and the different methods of establishing an airway (endotracheal intubation, supraglottic airway device etc) during anesthesia, as well as certain drugs used during anesthesia and sedation, may have an impact to the stomatognathic system. These effects can vary from a subtle temporomandibular joint disc displacement with reduction to the onset of temporomandibular disorders to previously healthy subjects.This observational prospective study aims at investigating the effect of different methods of airway management during anesthesia on the stomatognathic system (including temporomandibular joint, mastication muscles, occlusion etc).

After being informed about the study, all patients giving written informed consent will undergo elective abdominal surgery or elective gynecological surgery (both open or laparoscopic surgeries), under general or regional anesthesia. Participants will be assigned to groups, depending on the method of airway management during anesthesia (endotracheal intubation, supraglottic airway device, sontaneous breathing). Clinical examination of the stomatognathic system will be performed preoperatively and postoperatively (24 hours after surgery) and data concerning signs and symptoms associated with the development of temporomandibular disorders will be recorded. A follow-up questionnaire will be administered by telephone 30 days after surgery in order to record data concerning the stomatognathic system and mandibular function. Parameters related to the physiology of the stomatognathic system, parameters related to the airway management technique, patient position, parameters related to postoperative recovery, as well as postoperative analgesic consumption will be studied.

Conditions