Flexometallic versus RAE Endotracheal Tube in Cleft Lip and Palate Surgery

Aim and Objectives: The present study was carried out with an objective to evaluate ease of insertion of catheter and suctioning through Flexo-metallic tube versus Ring Adair Elwin (RAE) tube, to know the incidence of kinking of RAE tube and to note down the endo-bronchial placement of Flexo-metallic versus RAE tube and surgeon comfort zone. Methods: A prospective observational randomized study was conducted on 60 ASA grade I and II pediatric patients of age group 4 month to 16 years undergoing cleft lip and palate surgeries. Patients were randomly allocated in two groups of 30 each. Group R: intubated with RAE South pole tube and group F: intubated with flexo-metallic tube. The ease of insertion of suction catheter, ease of suctioning of secretions, refixation required, kinking of tracheal tube, incidence of displacement, airway complications and surgeons