Clinical performance of cuffed versus uncuffed preformed endotracheal tube in pediatric patients undergoing cleft palate surgery

Background: Uncuffed endotracheal tubes are commonly used in children but due to several decade preferred in paediatric oral surgery. Due to lack of conclusive evidences in this regard, we have conducted this study to compare post-operative morbidity following use of cuffed and uncuffed endotracheal tubes in paediatric patients undergoing cleft lip-palate surgery. Methods: This randomised controlled trial was conducted on children aged 2 to 12 years. 110 patients were allocated in two parallel groups using computer generated list of random numbers. Post operative extubation stridor, sore throat, time to first oral intake and regaining of normal voice were compared between two groups. Results: The incidence of sore throat was significantly more (P value >0.005) in patients of uncuffed group compared to cuffed group. The time to first oral intake and time to regain normal voice were significantly earlier in cuffed group compared to the other. Conclusion: With standard care, preformed cuffed ET tube has shown reduced incidence of post operative sore throat. Cuffed group has earlier oral intake and normal voice regain compared to uncuffed group.