What is this study trying to find out about airway care during surgery?

This study is evaluating if skipping tracheal suctioning before removing the breathing tube is as safe as doing routine suctioning for adults having surgery under general anesthesia. It aims to see if avoiding suction affects early oxygen levels and reduces throat discomfort. The research is sponsored by Mahidol University and seeks to improve patient recovery after surgery.

Who may be eligible for this airway care clinical trial?

Adults aged 18 to 90 years scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation can participate. The study includes all genders and requires good overall health status. People with lung diseases, high body mass index, pregnancy, or certain surgical types may not qualify. Please review eligibility criteria for more details.

Is there any cost to participate in this airway care clinical trial?

Study-related care, including the procedures and all trial visits, is provided at no cost. However, personal travel expenses to and from the study site may vary and are not guaranteed to be covered. Participants should plan accordingly for their travel needs.

Actively Recruiting

Phase Not Applicable

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

ID07287293

Study Comparing Endotracheal Tube Suctioning to No Suctioning During Recovery From General Anesthesia in Adults Undergoing Elective Surgery

Led by Mahidol University · Updated on 2026-01-12

408

Participants Needed

Research Sites

12 weeks

Total Duration

AI-Summary

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating whether skipping tracheal suctioning right before removing a breathing tube is as safe as routine suctioning for adult patients aged 18 to 90 who undergo planned surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. The study aims to see if avoiding suctioning affects early oxygen levels after the tube is removed and whether it impacts cough severity, sore throat, and other related side effects. Participants are randomly divided into two groups one receiving routine suctioning inside the trachea and throat just before extubation, and the other receiving suctioning only in the throat without inserting the suction catheter into the trachea. All patients receive standard anesthesia care and are monitored in the post-anesthesia care unit PACU for 60 minutes after extubation. Airway symptoms and satisfaction are checked again 24 hours after surgery. During the study, participants will have their oxygen levels monitored closely for the first hour after extubation, along with assessments of coughing, sore throat severity, nausea, vomiting, and any extubation-related problems. Researchers will also record oxygen therapy needs and patient satisfaction at 24 hours. Safety monitoring continues up to 6 hours post-PACU arrival. Overall participation involves the surgery day and a follow-up at 24 hours post-surgery.

CONDITIONS

Brief Title

Endotracheal Tube Suctioning Versus No Suctioning During Emergence From General Anesthesia

Who Can Participate

Age: 18Years +

All Genders

Eligibility Criteria

You may qualify if you...

Adults aged 18 to 90 years with ASA physical status I-III
Scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia requiring endotracheal intubation
Planned tracheal extubation in the operating room at the end of surgery

You will not qualify if you...

Inability to provide informed consent or significant language barrier
Known obstructive sleep apnea, active pneumonia, or chronic pulmonary disease
Body mass index over 35 kg/m²
Pregnancy or increased aspiration risk
Scheduled for maxillofacial, head and neck, or airway surgery
Anticipated surgery longer than 3.5 hours
Anticipated difficult airway with two or more predictors or history of difficult intubation

Your Study Journey

Screening

Duration - 2 to 4 weeks

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.

1 visit (in-person)

Treatment

Duration - During surgery and emergence from anesthesia

Participants receive either routine endotracheal suctioning or oropharyngeal suctioning only immediately prior to extubation during general anesthesia.

1 procedure visit (in-person)

Post-operative Follow-up

Duration - Up to 24 hours after surgery

Participants are monitored for postoperative desaturation, coughing, sore throat, oxygen therapy needs, nausea and vomiting, and extubation-related adverse events for up to 6 hours after arrival in the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU). Patient satisfaction is assessed approximately 24 hours after surgery.

1 follow-up visit in the first hour and 1 visit at 24 hours post-surgery