Post-operative Sore Throat: Comparing the Monitored Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure and Pilot Balloon Palpation Methods

@#Background: Endotracheal tube cuff (ETTc) inflation pressure is usually not regarded as an important aspect during intubation. In this study, we compared measuring ETTc pressure and pilot balloon palpation method in causing post-operative airway complications. Methods: Two hundred and ninety-two surgical patients requiring intubation were recruited into this prospective, double-blind, randomised controlled study. Group A patients had their ETTc initially inflated, checked by a cuff pressure gauge, recorded and then set to 25 cmH2O. Group B patients had their ETTc inflated using the pilot balloon palpation method. Patients were then followed up for post-operative sore throat, hoarseness and cough. Results: The overall incidence of post-operative sore throat was 39.0% versus 75.3% (P < 0.001), hoarseness 6.2% versus 15.1% (P < 0.05) and cough 7.5% versus 21.9% (P < 0.05) in Group A and B, respectively. Group A patients experienced a significant reduction in the incidence and severity of sore throat up to 24 h post-operatively (P < 0.001), hoarseness at the first hour (P = 0.004) and cough at first and 12 h post-operatively (P = 0.002). Conclusion: Adjusting the ETTc pressure to 25 cmH2O reduces post-operative sore throat, hoarseness and cough compared to pilot balloon palpation method.

Comparison of endotracheal tube cuff pressure changes using air versus nitrous oxide in anesthetic gases during laparoscopic abdominal surgeries / Comparação de alterações na pressão do balonete do tubo endotraqueal usando ar versus óxido nitroso nos gases anestésicos durante cirurgias abdominais laparoscópicas

Abstract Background and objectives The purpose of this study was to compare the endotracheal tube cuff pressure changes during laparoscopic surgeries using air versus nitrous-oxide in anesthetic gas mixture; and to observe the incidences of postoperative sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia. Methods Total 100 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic abdominal surgery were allocated into two groups. Group A (n = 50) received air while Group N (n = 50) received nitrous-oxide in anesthetic gas mixture. After endotracheal intubation, cuff was inflated with air to achieve sealing pressure. Cuff pressure at baseline (sealing pressure), 30 min, 60 min and 90 min was recorded with a manometer. Incidence of sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia was noted at the time of discharge from post-anesthesia care unit and 24 h after extubation. Results Cuff pressure increased from baseline in both the groups. The increase in cuff pressure in Group N was greater than that in Group A at all time points studied (p < 0.001). Within Group A, cuff pressure increased more at 90 min than at 30 min (p < 0.05). Within Group N, increase in cuff pressure was more at each time point (30, 60 and 90 min) than its previous time point (p < 0.05). The incidence of sore throat in post-anesthesia care unit was higher in Group N than in Group A. Conclusion Use of nitrous-oxide during laparoscopy increases cuff pressure resulting in increased incidence of postoperative sore throat. Cuff pressure should be monitored routinely during laparoscopy with nitrous-oxide anesthesia.

Resumo Justificativa e objetivos O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar as alterações na pressão do balonete do tubo endotraqueal durante cirurgias laparoscópicas usando ar versus óxido nitroso na mistura dos gases anestésicos e observar a incidência de dor de garganta, rouquidão e disfagia no pós-operatório. Métodos No total, 100 pacientes agendados para cirurgia abdominal laparoscópica eletiva foram alocados em dois grupos: Grupo A (n = 50) recebeu ar e Grupo N (n = 50) recebeu óxido nitroso na mistura de gases anestésicos. Após a intubação endotraqueal, o balonete foi insuflado com ar para obter a pressão de vedação. As pressões do balonete na fase basal (pressão de vedação), aos 30 min, 60 min e 90 min foram registradas com um manômetro. A incidência de dor de garganta, rouquidão e disfagia foi observada no momento da alta da sala de recuperação pós-anestésica e 24 horas após a extubacão. Resultados A pressão do balonete aumentou em ambos os grupos, comparada à pressão basal. O aumento da pressão do balonete foi maior no Grupo N do que no Grupo A em todos os tempos avaliados (p < 0,001). No Grupo A, o aumento da pressão do balonete foi maior aos 90 min do que aos 30 min (p < 0,05). No Grupo N, o aumento da pressão do balonete foi maior em cada um dos tempos (30, 60 e 90 min) do que no tempo anteriormente mensurado (p < 0,05). A incidência de dor de garganta na sala de recuperação pós-anestésica foi maior no Grupo N do que no Grupo A. Conclusão O uso de óxido nitroso durante a laparoscopia aumenta a pressão do balonete, resulta em aumento na incidência de dor da garganta no pós-operatório. A pressão do balonete deve ser rotineiramente monitorada durante a laparoscopia sob anestesia com óxido nitroso.

Analysis on risk factors of endotracheal cuff under inflation in mechanically ventilated patients / 中华危重病急救医学

Objective To investigate the prevalent condition of endotracheal cuff pressure and risk factors for under inflation. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted. Patients admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine of Fuxing Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University,who were intubated with a high-volume low-pressure endotracheal tube,and had undergone mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours,were enrolled. The endotracheal cuff pressure was determined every 8 hours by a manual manometer connected to the distal edge of the valve cuff at 07:00,15:00,and 23:00. Measurement of the endotracheal cuff pressure was continued until the extubation of endotracheal or tracheostomy tube,or death of the patient. According to the incidence of under inflation of endotracheal cuff,patients were divided into the incidence of under inflation lower than 25%group(lower low cuff pressure group)and higher than 25% group(higher low cuff pressure group). The possible influencing factors were evaluated in the two groups,including body mass index(BMI),size of endotracheal tube,duration of intubation,use of sedative or analgesic,number of leaving from intensive care unit(ICU),the number of turning over the patients, and aspiration of sputum. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine risk factors for under-inflation of the endotracheal cuff. Results During the study period,53 patients were enrolled. There were 812 measurements,and 46.3%of them was abnormal,and 204 times(25.1%)of under inflation of endotracheal cuff were found. There were 24 patients(45.3%)in whom the incidence of under inflation rate was higher than 25%. The average of under inflation was 7(4,10)times. Compared with the group with lower rate of low cuff pressure,a longer time for intubation was found in group with higher rate of low cuff pressure〔hours:162(113,225)vs. 118(97,168),Z=-2.034,P=0.042〕. There were no differences between the two groups in other factors,including size of endotracheal tube,the time from intubation to first measurement of endotracheal cuff pressure,number of leaving from ICU during admission, use of sedative agent or analgesic,and the number of body turning and aspiration(all P>0.05). No risk factor was found resulting from under inflation of the endotracheal cuff by logistic regression analysis. No significant difference was found in the incidence of ventilator associated pneumonia,duration of mechanical ventilation,successful rate of weaning on 28th day,or 28-day mortality after weaning from mechanical ventilation,and ICU mortality between the two groups. However,patients in the group of higher rate of low cuff pressure had a longer ICU stay compared with that in the group of lower rate of low cuff pressure group〔days:13(8,21)vs. 10(6,18),Z=-2.120,P=0.034〕. Conclusions Abnormal endotracheal cuff pressure is common in critically ill patients with intratracheal intubation. Duration of intubation is associated with under inflation of the cuff,and it calls for strengthening monitoring and management.

Endotracheal cuff pressure change during gynecologic laparoscopic surgery: effect on the incidence of postoperative airway complications

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopic surgery with reverse Trendelenburg position and carbon dioxide pneumoperitoneum has been known to increase the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure and the incidence of postoperative sore throat. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of the Trendelenburg position and pneumoperitoneum on the ETT cuff pressure and the effect of adjustment of ETT cuff pressure on the incidence of sore throat during laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. METHODS: One hundred fifty-four female patients undergoing laparoscopic gynecologic surgery were randomly assigned to either control group or adjusted group. In control group, initial cuff pressure was set at 30 cmH2O in the supine position without any adjustment during surgery. Cuff pressure of adjusted group was adjusted to maintain 30 cmH2O throughout the operation. Cuff pressures at intubation (P(imme)), at carbon dioxide insufflation and the Trendelenburg position (P0), and at 10 minute intervals throughout surgery (P10-P60 and P(end)) were checked. Postoperative airway complications including sore throat, hoarseness, dysphagia and cough were compared between the two groups at 2 hours and 24 hours after surgery. RESULTS: In control group, P0 and P10 were significantly higher than P(imme). The cuff pressure decreased with time, thereby; P50 (28.2 +/- 4.3), P60 (27.5 +/- 4.0) and P(end) (25.9 +/- 4.2) were significantly lower than P(imme) (P < 0.05). The incidences and severity of airway complications were not different between two groups. CONCLUSIONS: ETT cuff pressure decreased in laparoscopic gynecologic surgery. Therefore, controlled cuff pressure does not decrease the incidence of postoperative airway complications.

Head and Neck Positional Change Causes the Alteration in Endotracheal Cuff Pressure / 대한마취과학회지

BACKGROUND: Endotracheal tube movement due to changes in the position of the head and neck can affect the intracuff pressure and volume. The alteration in the endotracheal cuff pressure after positional changes of the head and neck were examined and compared to that in the neutral position. METHODS: 20 adult male patients undergoing orotracheal intubation for endoscopic sinus surgery under general anesthesia were studied. A reinforced tube (internal diameter 8.0 mm) was used for endotracheal intubation. If the initial intracuff pressure exceeded 22 mmHg, it was set to the adjusted intracuff pressure, defined as an intracuff pressure ranging from 15 to 20 mmHg. After recording the adjusted intracuff pressure in the neutral position, repeated measurements after positional changes to 45 degrees flexed, 45 degrees extended and fully rotated positions of the head and neck were taken. The sealing intracuff pressure and volume required for the elimination of audible air-leaks were re-measured in the neutral position, and the changes in the sealing pressure after positional changes of the head and neck were then repeatedly measured. Lastly, the genuine sealing pressure and volume were measured in the flexed, extended and rotated positions. RESULTS: The adjusted intracuff and sealing pressures were higher in the flexed, extended and rotated positions than in the neutral position (P<0.01). The genuine sealing pressure in flexion and rotation were lower than that in the neutral position (P<0.05). The genuine sealing volumes were smaller in the other positions than in the neutral position (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: It is recommended to make genuine sealing pressure of intracuff pressure under direct pressure monitoring after positional changes of the head and neck.