Effect of Applying Cuff Air Leak Pressure as Intraoperative Cuff Pressure on Postoperative Complications

Effect of Applying Cuff Air Leak Pressure as Intraoperative Cuff Pressure on Postoperative Complications: Prospective Randomized Control Trial

The purpose of the study is to achieve effective ventilation with critical intracuff pressure (Pcr) and determine if application of Pcr reduces the risks associated with over-insufflation of endotracheal cuff including postoperative sore throat, cough,nausea, vomiting, aspiration, and pneumonia.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Elective Surgery under general anesthesia requiring endotracheal tube with mechanical ventilation and expected anesthesia duration of at least 2 hours.
• No contra-indication for intra-operative volume controlled mechanical ventilation
• Flat supine surgeries without expected positional adjustments
• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I-III

Exclusion Criteria:

• Use of Nitrous Oxide
• BMI > 40
• Ventilation through Nasal intubation or Tracheostomy
• Preexisting sore throat, coughing, nausea/vomiting
• Recent history of upper respiratory infection
• Pregnancy
• Expected to be kept intubated after surgery completion