Mallampati Score (Airway Assessment)
Classifies oropharyngeal visibility (modified Mallampati, Samsoon & Young) to predict difficult intubation. Class III–IV is associated with difficult laryngoscopy. Mallampati alone has limited accuracy — combine it with other predictors (mouth opening, thyromental distance, neck movement, BMI; see the El-Ganzouri risk index).
Score interpretation
Soft palate, uvula and fauces visible.
→ Standard intubation plan; have backup equipment available as routine
Soft palate and base of uvula visible only.
→ Plan for difficult intubation: video laryngoscopy, bougie, senior anaesthetist; awake FOI if multiple predictors
Only the hard palate is visible.
→ Plan for a difficult airway: senior support; video laryngoscopy or awake fibreoptic intubation (AFOI) according to the other predictors; surgical airway backup plan; DAS guidelines
Interpretation bands for the Mallampati. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Ketamine (Anaesthesia/Sedation) · Dissociative Anaesthetic (NMDA Receptor Antagonist)
- Morphine (IV/IM — Anaesthesia/ICU) · Strong Opioid Analgesic
- Suxamethonium (Anaesthesia/RSI) · Depolarising Neuromuscular Blocking Agent
- Rocuronium (Anaesthesia/RSI) · Non-Depolarising Neuromuscular Blocking Agent
- Fentanyl (IV — Anaesthesia/ICU) · Opioid Analgesic (Short-Acting)
- Lidocaine (IV — Anaesthesia/ICU) · Local Anaesthetic / Antiarrhythmic (Class Ib)
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.