The effect of the endotracheal tube cuff shape on post-operative sore throat in surgeries longer than 120 min in supine position.

Background: This study aimed at comparing the effects of cylindrical- and conical-cuff endotracheal tubes (ETTs) inflated with saline on cuff pressures, post-operative sore throat, and post-operative analgesic consumption in surgeries taking longer than 120 min.

Objective: This study aimed at comparing the effects of cylindrical- and conical-cuff endotracheal tubes (ETTs) inflated with saline on cuff pressures, post-operative sore throat, and post-operative analgesic consumption in surgeries taking longer than 120 min.

Methods: The study was performed on a total of 100 patients, aged 18-65 years, in the ASA I-III risk group, with cylindrical cuff (Group C, n = 50) and conical cuff (Group T, n = 50) ETT patients. Cuff pressure values of all patients were recorded.

Results: The cuff pressure values at all measurement times and maximum cuff pressure value were significantly lower in Group T than in Group C (p < 0.05). In the post-operative 24-h period, sore throat and total analgesic consumption were significantly lower in Group T than in Group C (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: conical cuff ETTs prevent the increase in intraoperative cuff pressures, reduce the incidence of post-operative sore throat, and accordingly reduce post-operative analgesic consumption compared to cylindrical cuff ETTs.