Microcuff vs Wire-Reinforced Tubes in ACDF: Impact on Postoperative Hoarseness
Comparison between microcuff and wire-reinforced endotracheal tubes on postoperative complications in anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: A randomised study.
Indian J Anaesth . 2025 Jul;69(7):675-680.One hundred twenty patients with degenerative cervical spine disease undergoing elective anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) were randomised to receive either a microcuff endotracheal tube (Group M; n=60) or a wire-reinforced endotracheal tube (Group W; n=60). The primary outcome of interest was postoperative hoarseness of voice. Secondary outcomes included sore throat, dysphagia, stridor, vocal cord palsy, airway oedema at extubation, and intraoperative changes in cuff pressure and cuff inflation volume associated with cervical retractor application. Outcomes were assessed intraoperatively and at 6, 24, and 48 hours after extubation. Overall, the results of the study revealed that microcuff tubes required lower cuff volumes and generated lower cuff pressures at baseline and during retraction, and were associated with a significantly lower incidence of postoperative hoarseness, while rates of sore throat, dysphagia, vocal cord dysfunction, airway oedema, and stridor were similar between groups. These findings suggest that microcuff endotracheal tubes, combined with careful cuff pressure management, may reduce laryngotracheal morbidity after ACDF compared with wire-reinforced tubes.
Unlock the Full ACE Report
You have access to 4 more FREE articles this month.
Click below to unlock and view this ACE Reports
Unlock Now
Critical appraisals of the latest, high-impact randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews in orthopaedics
Access to OrthoEvidence podcast content, including collaborations with the Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, interviews with internationally recognized surgeons, and roundtable discussions on orthopaedic news and topics
Subscription to The Pulse, a twice-weekly evidence-based newsletter designed to help you make better clinical decisions
Exclusive access to original content articles, including in-house systematic reviews, and articles on health research methods and hot orthopaedic topics