Trendelenburg Angle and Upper Airway Ultrasound Findings in Laparoscopic Hysterectomy

This observational study was designed to evaluate whether the Trendelenburg position used during laparoscopic hysterectomy is associated with swelling of the upper airway. Women scheduled for elective laparoscopic hysterectomy under general anesthesia were included. During surgery, the angle of the operating table in the Trendelenburg position was measured. The upper airway was assessed with bedside ultrasound by measuring the distance from the skin to the epiglottis and the thickness of the tongue at different time points before and during surgery. The study did not assign participants to any treatment or intervention. All participants received standard surgical and anesthetic care. After surgery, participants were monitored for early airway-related findings such as noisy breathing after extubation, need for extra oxygen, low oxygen saturation, or need for reintubation.