Investigating Different Endotracheal Tube Cuff Pressure Monitoring Methods and their Role in Postoperative Sore Throat among Tracheal Intubation Patients: A Randomized Study

Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common discomfort resulting from tracheal intubation in adults. The increased pressure exerted by the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff often leads to local mucosal injury, causing sore throat. This study aimed to compare the impact of two different ETT cuff pressure monitoring systems versus no cuff pressure monitoring on the occurrence and severity of POST in adults. Methods: One hundred and five ASA I -III patients, aged 18-65 years, of any gender, undergoing surgeries requiring endotracheal intubation were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated into three groups: control (C), cuff pressure gauge (G), and automated cuff controller (A). Intraoperatively, ETT cuff pressure was not monitored in group C, while it was monitored using a cuff pressure gauge and an automated cuff controller in groups G and A, respectively. Postoperatively, patients were assessed at 2, 24, and 48 hours for the presence and severity of POST, hoarseness, and cough. Result: Results One hundred patients completed the study. POST occurred in 67.6% of the patients in group C, 41.2% Patients in Group G and 21.6% of the patients in group A with statistically significant difference between them. There were no significant differences in hoarseness, coughing, and dysphagia acrossthe groups at any time. Conclusion: The study findings indicate that the utilization of a cuff pressure gauge or an automated cuff controller during tracheal intubation under general anesthesia can effectively decrease the incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST)