Comparison of tube-taping versus a tube-holding device for securing endotracheal tubes in adults undergoing surgery in prone position

Abstract

Background : Endotracheal tube displace- ment is one of the leading causes for airway related com- plications. Endotracheal tube displacement is much more common in the prone position than in the supine position. Method : The study population consisted of 120 patients aged between 18-60 years, ASA class 1 and 2, undergo- ing surgery in the prone position who were randomly al- located into two groups of sixty patients each. The endo- tracheal tube was secured either with adhesive tape (Group A) or a Thomas tube holder (Group B). The ease of application and removal, effect on caliber of endotra- cheal tube, amount of displacement of endotracheal tube and also any injuries with either fixation method were studied. Result : Both groups were comparable with respect to mean time taken for the application of the fixation de- vice, peak airway pressure change after the application of the fixation device in the supine position and after posi- tioning the patient in the prone position and the time taken for removal of the fixation device. Displacement was significantly larger in group A than in group B. Conclusion : Both methods of fixation of the endotra- cheal tube are clinically useful in the prone position but the Thomas tube holder is more effective than adhesive tape in preventing displacement of endotracheal tube.