The effect of endotracheal tube cuff pressure change during gynecological laparoscopic surgery on postoperative sore throat: a control study

Postoperative respiratory complications related to endotracheal intubation usually present as cough, sore throat, hoarseness. The aim of the study was to examine the effects of endotracheal tube cuff pressure changes during gynecological laparoscopic surgery on postoperative sore throat rates. Thirty patients who underwent gynecological laparoscopic surgery and 30 patients who underwent laparotomy under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included. After induction of general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation, the cuff was inflated to 25 mmHg. At 5, 15, 30, 45 and 60 min after endotracheal intubation, cuff pressure and peak airway pressure were recorded. At 2 and 24 h after surgery, the patients were assessed for complaints of a sore throat. In patients who underwent laparotomy, cuff pressure and peak airway pressure did not change significantly at different time points after intubation. In patients who received laparoscopic surgery, cuff pressure and peak airway pressure were significantly increased compared to initial pressure at all examined time points. In both groups, the endotracheal tube cuff pressure and peak airway pressure were significantly correlated (R = 0.9431, P < 0.01; R = 0.8468, P < 0.01). Compared to patients who had undergone laparotomy, patients who had undergone laparoscopic surgery showed significantly higher sore throat scores at both 2 and 24 h after surgery (P < 0.01). Pneumoperitoneum and Trendelenburg position may increase airway pressure and cuff pressure, resulting in increased incidence of postoperative sore throat.