BACKGROUND: The cuff pressure (CP) of the laryngeal tube airway (LTA) increases during general anesthesia using nitrous oxide. However, there have been few studies on the relationship between CP and postoperative sore throat (POST). This study evaluated the efficacy of the CP on a POST on the recovery time and postoperative day.

METHODS: Forty patients were divided into two groups, group M (n = 20) and group I (n = 20). In all patients, the CP was set to 65 cmH₂O at the induction of anesthesia. In group M, the CP was maintained at 60-70 cmH₂O during general anesthesia using N₂O. However, in group I, the CP was allowed to increase. The CP was measured every 10 minutes during surgery in the two groups. The frequency and intensity (numerical rating scale of 0-100, NRS-101) of the sore throat was measured at recovery room (RR) and on postoperative day 1 (POD1).

RESULTS: There was a significant increase in the CP in group I during general anesthesia and the CP was higher in group I than in group M (P < 0.05). The frequency of POST was higher in group I at RR (10% vs 70%) and POD1 (0% vs 35%) than in group M. In addition, the NRS-101 was higher in group I at RR and POD1 than in group M (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS: The CP of the LTA needs to be monitored and controlled during surgery in order to reduce POST.