[A multicenter survey of pediatric endotracheal tube management].

BACKGROUND

The goal of this multicenter survey was to examine the variety of pediatric endotracheal tube (PETT) management methods utilized by anesthesiologists.

METHODS

A postal survey for PETT management methods was performed among anesthesiologists at Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine and its affiliated hospitals.

RESULTS

Age was the primary criteria for PETT size selection, followed by height and weight, while the surgical procedure was the primary criteria for PETT type selection, followed by age and then weight. Cuffed PETTs were routinely used for more than 70% of their patients by 57.1% of respondents; however, 55.7% of respondents had no criteria clearly defining when and how to inflate the cuff. Strategies for airway complications, including post-extubation stridor, vary amongst anesthesiologists.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study revealed that practice of PETT management depends on anesthesiologists. PETT management should be sophisticated with wide use of cuffed PETTs.