Comparison of different size left-sided double-lumen tubes for thoracic surgery

STUDY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to see if there are any clinical differences between using 35 F DLT for all patients versus using patient height regardless of gender to estimate appropriate DLT size. DESIGN: Prospective randomized study. SETTING: University Hospital. PATIENTS: 50 patients age ≤18 years, undergoing lung or esophageal surgery requiring OLV. INTERVENTIONS: Patients randomized to two groups (group-35F, group –DLT based on height). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: Data collected include demographics, ASA status, airway assessment, number of intubation attempts, Cormack-Lehane grade, number of times DLT repositioned, incidence of sore throat, oxygen saturation at induction and oxygen saturation at 5 minutes and 10 minutes after OLV. There was no statistically significant difference in demographics, ASA classification, Mallampati score, number of intubation attempts, Cormack-Lehane grade, number of times DLT was repositioned, and incidence of sore throat. In height based DLT group the odds were higher for the incidence of sore throat in 37-41 F group. Oxygen saturation at induction, 5 minutes and 10 minutes after OLV are not statistically significant between the two groups. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that the majority of patients receive unnecessarily large DLTs for thoracic surgery, which not only makes intubation inherently more difficult but also increases their risk of postoperative sore throat.