ABSTRACT
INTRODUÇÃO: Uma das funções do balonete do tubo endotraqueal é selar a via aérea, ou seja, ocupar o espaço entre o tubo e a parede da traqueia, impedindo a ocorrência de broncoaspiração e permitindo o funcionamento dos ventiladores. Considera-se adequada a pressão do balonete entre 25 a 30 cmH2O. OBJETIVO: Avaliar o método da palpação digital como técnica para determinar a insuflação adequada do balonete dos tubos traqueais de pacientes submetidos à anestesia geral. MÉTODOS: Foi conduzido um estudo prospectivo no Centro Cirúrgico do Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro. Após a intubação orotraqueal, o balonete foi insuflado com ar ambiente e o volume injetado determinado pela sensibilidade tátil. A insuflação foi realizada pelo residente em anestesiologia ou pelo Staff. Em qualquer momento da cirurgia foi anotada a pressão do balonete através do cufômetro. (AU)
Introduction: One of the functions of the endotracheal tube cuff is to seal the airway, that is, to occlude the space between the tube and the tracheal wall, thus preventing pulmonary aspiration and ensuring ventilator function. Cuff pressure must be maintained within the recommended range of 25-30 cmH2O. Objective: To evaluate digital palpation as a method to determine the appropriate inflation of endotracheal tube cuff of patients undergoing general anesthesia. Methods: A prospective study was performed at the Surgical Center of Hospital de Clínicas da Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, in Uberaba, Brazil. After orotracheal intubation, the cuff was inflated with air and the injected volume was determined by tactile sensitivity. Inflation was performed by an anesthesiology resident or by anesthesiology staff, and the cuff pressure was measured by a cuff manometer at any time during the surgery. Results: 15.65% of the cases had adequate insufflation pressure, 21.2% had inadequate pressure, and 63.15% had high pressure. Statistical analysis showed that the R1 group had a mean cuff pressure of 61.7 cmH2O; R2 had 62.7; R3 had 55.4; and the Staff group had 55.6. Measurement of the degree of accuracy was appropriate in 27.3% of R1 cases, in 25.5% of R2 cases, in 7.2% of R3 cases, and in 8.9% of Staff cases. Conclusion: 84.34% were not in accordance with the appropriate limits, so digital palpation and professional experience were shown to be inappropriate methods for estimating the inflated pressure. Therefore, it is recommended that cuff pressure be measured by a specific device, the cuff manometer. (AU)