Effects of body position and cuffed endotracheal tube position on intracuff pressure during tonsillectomy in pediatric patients

Objective To evaluate the effects of body position and cuffed endotracheal tube (cETT) position on the intracuff pressure during tonsillectomy in the pediatric patients. Methods Sixty pediatric patients, aged 3-12 yr, scheduled for elective tonsillectomy under general anesthesia, were divided into group A and group B using a random number table, with 30 patients in each group.The cETTs were placed on one side of the blade of Davis retractor in group A. The cETTs were placed between the blade of Davis retractor and the body of tongue in group B. The intracuff pressure was recorded when the head was in the neutral position (T1), after changing to the head back position (T2) and when the retractor was placed for operation (T3). Results The intracuff pressure was significantly higher at T2 than at T1 in the two groups (P 0.05). Conclusion The intracuff pressure is affected by body position and cETT position during tonsillectomy in the pediatric patients, and routine monitoring of the intracuff pressure is recommended. Key words: Child; Tonsillectomy; Intubation, intratracheal; Posture; Pressure