Intubation Tube Applications on Voice Performance in Early Postoperative Period

A total of 88 patients who underwent endotracheal intubation either using a cuffed endotracheal (n = 44) or spiral-embedded cuffed endotracheal (n = 44) tube were included in this study. An endotracheal tube of 7.5 mm was used for female patients and that of 8 mm was used for male patients. A preoperative acoustic voice analysis was performed, and fundamental frequency (F0), jitter%, and shimmer% values were recorded. In addition, voice handicap index-30 (VHI-30) questionnaire was completed by the patients for subjective evaluation. The same procedure was repeated in the first 48 hours postoperatively. The preoperative and postoperative data were statistically compared. In addition, the effect of the type of endotracheal intubation tube on acoustic voice analysis parameters and VHI-30 scores was statistically evaluated.

Inclusion criteria

• Aged 18-80 years
• Conforming to the ASA I-II class according to the classification of the American Society of -Anesthesiologists (ASA)
• who were scheduled to undergo surgery that will not last more than 120 minutes

Exclusion criteria

• Patients with a lung disease
• Having obesity (BMI >35 kg.m-2)
• Pregnant patients
• Gastroesophageal reflux
• Suspected of having difficult airway (mouth opening <2.5 cm, Mallampati score >2, sternomental distance <12.5 cm, thyromental distance <6 cm, neck circumference >40 cm)
• A high risk of aspiration pneumonia
• Using inhaled steroids