Sore throat and pressure differences in
ventilation in women after intubation
with an endotrachealtube size 6,5 or 7,0
Background
Women experience more sore throats than men after
endotracheal intubation. Previous studies have shown the use of an endotracheal tube (ETT) with a smaller diameter reduces post-operative sore throat. A narrower endotracheal tube, however, may lead to blockage of the gas flow through the tube and its being clogged by secretions.
Results
The results show that women who were intubated using a narrower ETT estimated fewer and milder symptoms of sore throat postoperatively. However, the differences did not reach statistical significance. Nor were any significant pressure
differences in the ventilation, measured.
Aim
The purpose of this quantitative study was to compare the incidence of sore throat self-rated by women intubated with an ETT of either size 6.5 or 7.0 mm in inner diameter and to investigate the association between sore throat immediately postoperatively, 2-4 hours and airway pressure .
Method
One hundred female participants, aged 18-80 years, who have undergone elective gynaecological surgery, were
recruited to the study, and 93 of them participated. They estimated the occurrence of sore throat preoperatively, immediately postoperatively and then 2-4 hours later,
according to a 4-point scale. Statistical data were analysed using the Package for Social Science (SPSS).
Conclusion
Sore throat after endotracheal intubation should be acknow-ledged and documented in the patient’s record. Hopefully, this study will lead to changes in clinical practice i.e. intubating
more women with a 6.5mm endotracheal tube size and
including the four-point rating scale regarding sore throat in postoperative patient care.
AUTHORS:
Linda Gustavsson, RNA, MSc
Department of Anaesthesia, Central Operation Ward, Sunderby Hospital, Luleå, Sweden.
Cecilia Nyström, RN, CCN, MSc
Intensive Care Unit 57, Sunderby Hospital, Luleå, Sweden.
Irene Vikman, RPT, PhD, Senior Lecturer
Division of Health and Rehabilitation, Department of Health Science, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
Åsa Engström, RN, CCN, MSc, PhD, Associate Professor
Division of Nursing, Department of Health Science, Luleå University of Technology, Luleå, Sweden.
CORRESPONDENCE
Åsa Engström, Department of Health Science,
Luleå University of Technology, SE-971 87 Luleå, Sweden. Phone: +46 920 49 38 75, fax: +46 920 49 38 50,
