Insertion depth of nasotracheal tubes sized to fit the nostril: an observational study

• Published in: Journal of international medical research Vol. 47; no. 1; pp. 235 - 243
• Main Authors: Lee, Bora, Park, Wyun Kon, Yun, Soon Young, Kang, Soojeong, Kim, Hyun Joo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London, England SAGE Publications 01.01.2019; Sage Publications Ltd; SAGE Publishing
• Subjects: Airway management; Clinical Research Reports; Intubation; Nose; Observational studies; nostril; Airway management; nasotracheal intubation; carina; nasopharyngeal airway; head and neck surgery; tube size
• ISSN: 0300-0605; 1473-2300
• DOI: 10.1177/0300060518800105

Objective Nasotracheal (NT) intubation is commonly applied during head and neck surgery. However, improper tube size and depth may cause complications. In the current study, we investigated whether NT tubes are being appropriately used in terms of size and depth in adult patients. Methods Nares were sized in 40 patients using standard nasopharyngeal airways (6.0–8.0) before elective surgery under general anesthesia. The largest sized airway that passed easily into the nasopharynx without resistance was considered as a proper size. Using a fiberoptic scope, the distances from the nares to the vocal cords and the nares to the carina were measured. Rates of proper NT tube positioning were calculated with regard to the cuff and distal tip. Results The most frequent sizes of properly fitted NT tubes were 6.5 and 6.0 in male and female patients, respectively. Positioning of the cuff and distal tip was only appropriate when using a properly sized tube in 26% and 47% of male and female patients, respectively. Conclusion Care should be taken to determine the insertion depth after placing an NT tube that has been sized to fit the nostril. Moreover, NT tubes of the same diameter may be required in various lengths. Trial registration: Registered at ClinicalTrial.gov; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02876913; Registration number NCT02876913