The effect of cuff pressure on postoperative sore throat after Cobra perilaryngeal airway

Abstract

Purpose The cuff volume of the Cobra perilaryngeal airway (CobraPLA) is larger than that of other alternative airway devices and makes it difficult to predict the effect of cuff pressure on the perilaryngeal mucosa. We tested the hypothesis that adjustment of the cuff pressure of the CobraPLA could reduce the incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST). Methods After induction of general anesthesia and insertion of the CobraPLA by standardized method, the cuff pressure was set to 60 cmH 2O (group C, n = 87) or adjusted to minimal seal-up pressure ?5 cmH 2O (group A, n = 87). The frequency and severity (0, none; 1, mild; 2, moderate; 3, severe) of throat soreness, pain, discomfort, and adverse effects were evaluated 1 and 24 h after removal of the CobraPLA. Results Incidence of moderate POST in group C was higher than that in group A (11% vs. 2%, P = 0.021) whereas the overall POST incidence was not different between the two groups (31% vs. 20%, P = 0.092). The inflated air volume of group A was different from that of group C (41 vs. 50 ml, P = 0.009). Conclusions Adjustment of cuff pressure reduces the incidence of moderate POST after use of the CobraPLA. © 2011 Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists.