The pressor response and airway effects of cricoid pressure during induction of general anesthesia

Cricoid pressure (CP) has been used to protect the patient from regurgitation and gastric insufflation. Because the hemodynamic effects of CP have not been evaluated independently, we designed this prospective study. Eighty ASA I adult patients were prospectively included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into Cricoid and Placebo groups. In the Cricoid group, after the induction of anesthesia, bimanual CP was performed, and in the Control group, simple placement of hands without exerting pressure was performed. Peak inspiratory pressure and exhaled tidal volume were recorded before and during the application of CP. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate were recorded before and after application of CP. The data were compared between and within groups by using the mixed-design analysis of variance. Peak inspiratory pressure increased and tidal volume decreased significantly after the application of CP compared with the Control group and baseline values. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate increased significantly after the application of CP compared with the baseline values and with those of the Control group. The result of this study shows that CP can cause a relatively strong pressor response.