Effect of Intracuff Pressure Adjustment on Postoperative Sore Throat, Hoarseness, and Oral Comfort in Robotic Gynecological Surgery: A Quasi-experimental Study

Purpose Hoarseness and postoperative sore throat (POST) are common complications of endotracheal intubation during robotic-assisted gynecological surgery. Despite the increasing prevalence of robotic procedures, studies focusing on airway symptom management in this context are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of intraoperative endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff pressure adjustment on hoarseness, POST, and oral comfort. Additionally, the study sought to inform nursing interventions to enhance postoperative care.Design This study employed an assessor-blinded, quasi-experimental design at a single institution.Methods A total of 60 patients undergoing robotic-assisted gynecological surgery were allocated in equal numbers to the experimental group (n = 30) and the control group (n = 30) using an alternating sequence based on the order of entry into the operating room waiting area (odd/even assignment). In the experimental group, ETT cuff pressure was monitored and adjusted to 22-cmH₂O every 10 minutes. In the control group, cuff pressure was monitored but not adjusted. Hoarseness, POST, and oral comfort were assessed preoperatively and at 1, 6, and 24 hours postoperatively. Statistical analyses included t tests, χ2 tests, and nonparametric methods.Findings The experimental group exhibited significantly lower POST and hoarseness scores and higher oral comfort scores at all postoperative time points compared with the control group (P Conclusions Regular intraoperative ETT cuff pressure adjustments effectively reduced POST and hoarseness while improving oral comfort in patients who underwent robotic-assisted gynecological surgery. Implementing clinical guidelines for optimal cuff pressure management may enhance postoperative symptom management and improve patient outcomes.