Tracheal-tube size requirement of adult Nigerians

A clinical study of the tube size (diameters) requirement of Nigerian adults (with no airway pathology) of both sexes was made. A prospective study showed that most (98.87%) Nigerian adult female patients require 9.0mm, while most (82%) male patients require 10.0mm tracheal tubes. Each of these sizes, being one size larger than that previously used, should reduce the work of breathing further as shown from an experimental study and is suggested for routine use in this environment.