Supine versus semi-Fowler's positions for tracheal extubation in abdominal surgery-a randomized clinical trial

Tracheal extubation is commonly performed in the supine position. However, in patients undergoing abdominal surgery, the supine position increases abdominal wall tension, especially during coughing and deep breathing, which may aggravate pain and lead to abdominal wound dehiscence. The semi-Fowler's position may reduce abdominal wall tension, but its safety and comfort in tracheal extubation have not been reported. We aimed to evaluate the safety and comfort of different extubation positions in patients undergoing abdominal surgery.

We enrolled 141 patients with an American Society of Anesthesiologists grade of I-III who underwent abdominal surgery. All patients were anesthetized with propofol, fentanyl, cisatracurium, and sevoflurane. After surgery, all patients were transferred to the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Patients were then randomly put into the semi-Fowler's (n = 70) or supine (n = 71) position while 100% oxygen was administered. The endotracheal tube was removed after the patients opened their eyes and regained consciousness. Vital signs, coughing, and pain and comfort scores before and/or after extubation were recorded until the patients left the PACU.

In comparison with the supine position, the semi-Fowler's position significantly decreased the wound pain scores at all intervals after extubation (3.51 ± 2.50 vs. 4.58 ± 2.26, 2.23 ± 1.68 vs. 3.11 ± 2.00, 1.81 ± 1.32 vs. 2.59 ± 1.88, P = 0.009, 0.005 and 0.005, respectively), reduced severe coughing (8[11.43%] vs. 21[29.58%], P = 0.008) and bucking after extubation (3[4.29%] vs. 18[25.35%], P < 0.001), and improved the comfort scores 5 min after extubation (6.11 ± 2.30 vs. 5.17 ± 1.78, P = 0.007) and when leaving from post-anesthesia care unit (7.17 ± 2.27 vs. 6.44 ± 1.79, P = 0.034). The incidences of vomiting, emergence agitation, and respiratory complications were of no significant difference.

Tracheal extubation in the semi-Fowler's position is associated with less coughing, sputum suction, and pain, and more comfort, without specific adverse effects when compared to the conventional supine position.

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR1900025566 . Registered on 1st September 2019.