European journal of anaesthesiology
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The cuff ballotability method was used in 120 adult patients to confirm the correct depth of insertion of the endotracheal tube after tracheal intubation. The correct tube position was assumed when the cuff of the endotracheal tube could be felt to distend over the suprasternal notch when the pilot balloon was squeezed and the pilot balloon was felt to distend when pressure was applied over the suprasternal notch. ⋯ In all patients the tip of the endotracheal tube was found to be in the desired position, i.e. 3-7 cm from the carina--the level of T3-T4 vertebrae. We concluded this technique to be a simple and reproducible way to confirm the correct depth of insertion of endotracheal tubes.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study Clinical Trial
Double-blind randomized study of tramadol vs. paracetamol in analgesia after day-case tonsillectomy in children.
Fifty children (2-9 years) scheduled for tonsillectomy were enrolled in a double-blind randomized prospective study to compare postoperative analgesia provided with propacetamol/paracetamol (acetaminophen) or tramadol. A standard anaesthetic technique was used; each patient received sufentanil 0.25 microg kg(-1) intravenously followed with either i.v. propacetamol 30 mg kg(-1) or tramadol 3 mg kg(-1) before surgical incision. For postoperative analgesia, each child received either tramadol drops (2.5 mg kg(-1)) or paracetamol (acetaminophen) suppositories (15 mg kg(-1)), 6 and 12 h after surgery the first day and three times a day during postoperative days 2 and 3. ⋯ Rescue medication consisted of i.v. diclofenac (1 mg kg(-1)) during the first six postoperative hours and oral ibuprofen (6-9 mg kg(-1)) afterwards. Postoperative pain scores (Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Pain Scale) in recovery, numerical pain scale in the ward and at home, and rescue analgesic use were significantly lower in the tramadol group. No serious adverse effects were observed.