ABSTRACT : To compare the endotracheal cuff pressure measurements using estimation techniques with direct intracuff measurement with non-invasive manometer

METHODS : After Ethical committee approval and informed consent, 40 patients under ASA 1 or ASA 2 posted for elective surgery under general anesthesia were randomly selected.The cuff was inflated by anesthesia providers with different experience levels .i.e lesss than 5 years ,5-15 years ,more than 15 years.The estimation techniques used were * palpation of pilot baloon * minimal leak * pre determined volume

Soon after the estimation techniques\' the direct intracuff measurement using non-invasive manometer was performed

RESULTS : There is no difference among the experience level of anesthesia providers in the ability to estimate ETT cuff pressures

CONCLUSIONS : Estimation techniques for ETT cuff inflation were inadequate and suggest that direct intracuff measurements be used