Is sealing cuff pressure, easy, reliable and safe technique for endotracheal tube cuff inflation?: A comparative study

摘要

Objective: To compare the three common methods of endotracheal tube cuff inflation (sealing pressure, precise standard pressure or finger estimation) regarding the effective tracheal seal and the incidence of post-intubation airway complications. Methods: Seventy-five adult patients scheduled for N₂ O free general anesthesia were enrolled in this study. After induction of anesthesia, endotracheal tubes size 7.5 mm for female and 8.0 mm for male were used. Patients were randomly assigned into one of three groups. Control group ( n =25), the cuff was inflated to a pressure of 25 cm H₂O; sealing group ( n =25), the cuff was inflated to prevent air leaks at airway pressure of 20 cm H₂O and finger group ( n =25), the cuff was inflated using finger estimation. Tracheal leaks, incidence of sore throat, hoarseness and dysphagia were tested. Results: Although cuff pressure was significantly low in the sealing group compared to the control group ( P 2O, free anesthesia sealing cuff pressure is an easy, undemanding and safe alternative to the standard technique, regarding effective sealing and low incidence of sore throat.