Endotracheal tube positioning during neck extension in thyroidectomy. Issue 10 (7th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sharma, S D; Kumar, G; Kanona, H; Jovaisa, T; Kaddour, H
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 129:Issue 10(2015)
• Page Start: 996
• Page End: 999
• Publication Date: 2015-09-07
• Subjects: Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215115002029
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="normal"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="sec_a1"> <title>Objective:</title> <p>To evaluate the effect of body mass index and neck length on endotracheal tube movement during neck extension in thyroidectomy.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec_a2"> <title>Methods:</title> <p>A prospective study was conducted of 30 patients undergoing thyroidectomy during an 8-month period. Patient characteristics were recorded and endotracheal tube displacement was determined.</p> </sec> <sec id="sec_a3"> <title>Results:</title> <p>Mean body mass index was 27.8 kg/m² (range, 17.5–34.7 kg/m²) and mean neck circumference was 43.2 cm (range, 28–56 cm). The mean (± standard deviation) upward displacement of the endotracheal tube during neck extension was 7.17 ± 5.87 mm. Patients with a larger body mass index had a significantly greater amount of tube displacement (R² = 0.67, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.0001), as did patients with a smaller neck length (R² = 0.48, <italic>p</italic> &lt; 0.0001).</p> </sec> <sec id="sec_a4"> <title>Conclusion:</title> <p>Neck extension results in upward displacement of the endotracheal tube. The amount of displacement is significantly higher in patients with a larger body mass index or shorter neck length. This has particular relevance for nerve monitoring in thyroidectomy.</p> </sec> </abstract>