Der Anaesthesist
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Review Comparative Study
[Crystalloid versus colloid. A never ending story?].
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The use of endotracheal tubes with a cuff is controversial in infants and small children. Often anaesthetists advocate extreme opinions and whereas some propagate the use of cuffed tubes in all cases without restriction, others condemn their use in infants and small children under all circumstances. In this article, the discussion concerning the use of cuffed endotracheal tubes in infants and small children is based on current data and arguments. ⋯ However, acquired subglottic stenosis might represent a severe long-lasting complication. Regardless as to whether tubes with or without cuffs are used, a disproportion between the outer diameter of the tube and the inner diameter of the nonexpandable cricoid ring is the main reason for the genesis of this lesion. A continuous monitoring of the cuff pressure is recommended when using cuffed endotracheal tubes in this age group.