Insertion depth of nasotracheal tubes sized to fit the nostril: an observational study

Bora Lee, Wyun Kon Park, Soon Young Yun, Soojeong Kang, Hyun Joo Kim, Bora Lee, Wyun Kon Park, Soon Young Yun, Soojeong Kang, Hyun Joo Kim

Abstract

Objective: Nasotracheal (NT) intubation is commonly applied during head and neck surgery. However, improper tube size and depth may cause complications. In the current study, we investigated whether NT tubes are being appropriately used in terms of size and depth in adult patients.

Methods: Nares were sized in 40 patients using standard nasopharyngeal airways (6.0-8.0) before elective surgery under general anesthesia. The largest sized airway that passed easily into the nasopharynx without resistance was considered as a proper size. Using a fiberoptic scope, the distances from the nares to the vocal cords and the nares to the carina were measured. Rates of proper NT tube positioning were calculated with regard to the cuff and distal tip.

Results: The most frequent sizes of properly fitted NT tubes were 6.5 and 6.0 in male and female patients, respectively. Positioning of the cuff and distal tip was only appropriate when using a properly sized tube in 26% and 47% of male and female patients, respectively.

Conclusion: Care should be taken to determine the insertion depth after placing an NT tube that has been sized to fit the nostril. Moreover, NT tubes of the same diameter may be required in various lengths. Trial registration: Registered at ClinicalTrial.gov; https://ichgcp.net/clinical-trials-registry/NCT02876913 ; Registration number NCT02876913.

Keywords: Airway management; carina; head and neck surgery; nasopharyngeal airway; nasotracheal intubation; nostril; tube size.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Ideal depth of nasotracheal tube placement with (a) the cuff 2 cm below the vocal cords and (b) the distal tip 5 ± 2 cm from the carina. *Vocal cords
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Rates of appropriate nasotracheal tube positioning based on a tube size accommodated by the nostril of the patient
Figure 3.
Figure 3.
Box plots showing the distances from (a) the cuff to the vocal cords and (b) the distal tip to the carina based on the tube size accommodated by the nostril of the patient

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Source: PubMed

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