Effects of Different Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure Management Modes on Postoperative Sore Throat in Patients undergoing Endotracheal Intubation for General Anesthesia

Abstract Objective To evaluate the effects of different methods of tube cuff pressure management on postoperative sore throat (POST). Methods One hundred and twenty patients, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I–II, who were scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia, were randomly divided into three groups: the minimum hermetically sealed pressure group (MOP group, n = 40), the measure and control endotracheal tube cuff group (ETTc group, n = 40) and the control group (Con group, n = 40). Midazolam, propofol, cisatracurium, and sufentanil were used to induce anesthesia in all three groups, while propofol, remifentanil, and atracurium were used to maintain anesthesia. We observed the peak airway pressure (Pmax), mean airway pressure (Pmean), partial respiratory CO2 pressure (PETCO2), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), pulse oxygen saturation (SpO2), and tube cuff pressure at 1 min (T0), 5 min (T1), 30 min (T2), and 60 min (T3) after intubation, and at 5 min before extubation min (T4). The circulating respiratory index was maintained stable during the operation. POST was evaluated by the Prince Henry Hospital pain scale. Results The total incidence of POST was 40%, while it was 20% in the MOP group, 37.5% in the ETTc group, and 62.5% in the Control group. The incidence of POST was positively related to the cuff pressure, particularly at 24 h after the operation. The severity of POST differed with cuff pressure, particularly at 24 h after the operation. Conclusion Application of MOP is advantageous for maintaining the airway during the operation.