To investigate the differences in postoperative sore throat and hoarseness by adjustment of endotracheal tube cuff pressure (CP) during nitrous oxide (N₂O) and air anesthesia.

A one-equivalent control group pretest-posttest design was used. Data were collected from August 8 to October 19, 2017 and analyzed using the independent t-test and repeated measures ANOVA. Eighty-four participants were enrolled and divided into three groups: 28 in the Control Group (CP adjusted every 30 minutes using N₂O), 28 in Experimental Group 1 (CP adjusted every 10 minutes using N₂O), and 28 in Experimental Group 2 (non-adjusted CP using air), all of whom underwent urologic, gynecologic, and orthopedic surgeries at the G University hospital. Sore throat was assessed using a numeric rating scale; hoarseness was evaluate using the Stout classification at 1, 6, and 24 hours after surgery.

Scores for sore throat and hoarseness were significantly different between the groups at each measurement time, and scores were consistently higher in the control group. During subsequent measurements, sore throat and hoarseness scores were significantly lower at 6 hours. Cuff pressure changed significantly using air anesthesia (χ²=10.41, p=.015) up to 2 hours after induction. Severe sore throat and hoarseness was observed for up to 6 hours after surgery.

Cuff pressure adjustment at short time intervals would be helpful in reducing postoperative sore throat and hoarseness. Nursing intervention focused on prevention of sore throat and hoarseness should be required up to 6 hours postoperatively in patients undergoing endotracheal intubation.