Correlation between extraction force during tracheal intubation stylet removal and postoperative sore throat

Area of Science:

• Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine
• Surgical Complications
• Patient Outcomes

Background:

• Postoperative sore throat is a common complication following tracheal intubation.
• Identifying modifiable risk factors is crucial for improving patient care and reducing discomfort.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between tracheal intubation stylet removal force and the incidence of postoperative sore throat.
• To identify specific force thresholds associated with the development of sore throat.

Main Methods:

• Prospective cohort study involving 50 patients undergoing elective surgery.
• Patients were categorized into sore throat (ST) and no sore throat (NST) groups postoperatively.
• Extraction force during stylet removal was measured, and sore throat was assessed by an anesthesiologist.

Main Results:

• 18% of patients reported postoperative sore throat.
• Higher extraction force during stylet removal was the sole significant risk factor (P=.0054).
• An extraction force exceeding 10.3N was identified as a cutoff for developing sore throat.

Conclusions:

• Postoperative sore throat is significantly associated with increased extraction force during tracheal intubation stylet removal.
• Minimizing extraction force may be a strategy to reduce the incidence of postoperative sore throat.