ENDOTRACHEAL TUBE CUFF PRESSURE APPLICATION DURING GENERAL ANAESTHESIA - INSTRUMENTAL VERSUS CONVENTIONAL METHOD- A COMPARATIVE STUDY.

Objective: To evaluate the conventional practice of endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff inflation and pressure measurement as compared to the instrumental method. Study Design: Prospective observational study. Place and Duration of Study: Aakash Fertility Centre, 10, Jawaharlal Nehru Road ,Vadapalani , Chennai, during the period of  August 2016 – July 2017 Methods: A total of 200 adult female patients  posted for diagnostic laparoscopic surgery under General Anaesthesia for infertility treatment were selected for this study. Patients with anticipated difficult intubation, risk for aspiration, known anatomical laryngotracheal abnormalities, and emergency cases were excluded. Trachea was intubated with size 7.0 mm. The ETT cuff was inflated with air by one of the anaesthesia technician. Cuff pressures were measured using aneroid manometer. ETT cuff pressure of 20–30 cm of water was considered as standard. Results: In 87% of the patients, the cuff pressure measurements were above the standard. The mean cuff pressure was 46 cm of water. Conclusion: The conventional method for ETT cuff inflation and pressure measuring is unreliable. A routine instrumental cuff pressure, monitoring is suggested.