The effect of cuffed endotracheal tube on respiratory complication following adenotonsillectomy in children

Background: Uncuffed endotracheal tube(ETT) were considered for children less than 8 years. Meanwhile, aspiration around ETT in patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy is concerned.We compared cuffed versus uncuffed ETT regarding respiratory complications following adenotonsillectomy. Methods: 128 children aged 2-8 yr were divided to two groups of 64 each. Uncuffed and cuffed tubes were used respectively in the uncuffed (UG) and cuffed (CG) groups. Anesthesia was routinely performed in a identical pattern in all patients. The number of attempts to reach the appropriate tube size was recorded. After extubation, the patients observed for the occurrence of cough, hypoxemia, and stridor. Results: Less reintubation attempts were needed in the CG (p.value=0.002). In the UG, 31.3% and in the CG 10.9% had some respiratory complications (P.value=0.009). The change of the initial tube had significant effect on the occurrence of croup and stridor (P.value= 0.000). Conclusion: The use of cuffed tube in 2-8 yr, could lower the incidence of respiratory complications following adenotonsillectomy. It also decreases the number of intubation attempts needed to reach the appropriate tube size.