Effect of measurement and adjustment of cuff-pressure of endotracheal tube on postoperative intubation-related complications:a prospective,multicenter,randomized,double-blind study / 中华麻醉学杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the incidence of postoperative intubation-related complications and the need for measurement and adjustment of cuff-pressure of endotracheal tube. Methods Five hundred and nine patients of either sex undergoing elective surgery under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation were divided into 2 groups control group (group C)and cuff-pressure measured group (group CPM). Operation time and duration of endotracheal tube were recorded. Twenty patients with the duration of endotracheal tube 120-180 min in each group were selected. Their tracheal mucous membrane was examined by fiberoptic bronchoscopy at the time of withdrawal of endotracheal tube. Postoperative complications including cough and bloody sputum were also recorded at 24 h after extubation. Results The two groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, operation time and the duration of endotracheal tube. The incidence of sore throat and bloody sputum was significantly higher in group C than in CPM group. The incidence of sore throat and bloody sputum was significantly increased as the duration of endotracheal tube was prolonged in control group while in CPM group only the incidence of sore throat was increased. Varying degrees of injuries to tracheal mucous membrane were observed with fiberoptic bronchoscope.The injuries were more serious in group C than in CPM group. Conclusion Measurement of intracuff pressure is helpful for reducing the tracheal intubation-related complications.