To compare the assessment of ETT cuff pressure by manual palpation method versus manometer.

60 patients undergoing general anaesthesia with cuffed ETT were studied. After inflation of cuff with air, the cuff pressure was assessed by manual palpation method & by manometer, after fixation of ETT & at one hour of surgery.

When compared the palpation method with manometer reading, on 14 occasions the reading was very high (more than 60 cm H2O), on 58 occasions the reading was high (30-60 cm H2O), on 42 occasions it was in safe range (20-30 cm H2O) and while on 6 occasions it was in lower range (less than 20 cm H2O).

Manometer assessment of ETT cuff pressure is better than palpation method & is recommended in all cases.