Comparing inflated and non-inflated endotracheal tubes for sore throat relief

Effect of Kinetic Contact-friction Modulation With a Pre-inflated Tracheal Tube Cuff on Postoperative Sore Throat in Adults With Anticipated Non-difficult Airway: a Randomized Controlled Study

NA · Sir Ganga Ram Hospital · NCT06218836

This study is testing whether using inflated endotracheal tubes instead of non-inflated ones can help reduce sore throats after surgery for patients who need to be intubated.

Quick facts

PhaseNA
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment250 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 65 Years
SexAll
SponsorSir Ganga Ram Hospital (other)
Locations1 site (New Delhi, Delhi)
Trial IDNCT06218836 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the effect of using inflated versus non-inflated endotracheal tubes on the incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST) following direct laryngoscopy-intubation. The study aims to determine whether pre-inflating the cuff of the endotracheal tube can reduce friction injury to the upper airway mucosa, which is a contributing factor to POST. Patients undergoing surgeries with anticipated durations of 40 minutes to 3 hours and classified as ASA physical status I and II will be included. The trial will compare outcomes between the two groups to assess the effectiveness of the intervention.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are patients classified as ASA physical status I and II with anticipated non-difficult airways and undergoing surgeries lasting between 40 minutes and 3 hours.

Not a fit: Patients with obesity, recent steroid use, systemic illnesses causing throat discomfort, or those undergoing head and neck surgeries may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of postoperative sore throat, improving patient comfort and recovery.

How similar studies have performed: While various interventions have been attempted to reduce POST, this specific approach comparing inflated and non-inflated tubes has not been extensively tested, making it a novel investigation.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* ASA physical status I and II
* Patients with anticipated non-difficult airway with the following characteristics:

  i. Normal head and neck movements ii. Adequate mouth opening iii. No retrognathia or prognathia iv. Normal dentition
* Surgeries with anticipated duration of 40 minutes - 3 hours

Exclusion Criteria:

* Obese patients (BMI \> 33 kg/m2)
* Requiring use of intubation aids such as bougie, stylet or video-laryngoscope
* Recent history of steroid or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use
* Systemic illness with presenting complaints of sore/dry throat (diabetics with polydipsia, hypertensives on diuretics, moribund bed ridden patients)
* History of airway related morbidity post operative sore throat \[POST\]
* Patients with a history of chronic smoking (1 pack per day for 10 years) chewing tobacco, and tobacco-related products
* Patients undergoing head and neck, intraoral/nasal surgery, or recent history of such surgery
* Patients with a past surgical history of tracheostomy (post decannulation)
* Surgery in prone position
* Ongoing upper and lower respiratory tract inflammation/infection
* Patients with anticipated postoperative mechanical ventilation
* Refusal to participate in the study

Where this trial is running

New Delhi, Delhi

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.

View on ClinicalTrials.gov →

Conditions: Postoperative Sore Throat, endotracheal tube, inflated, sore throat, friction

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.