In a prospective randomised controlled multi-centre trial, cuffed tracheal tubes were compared with uncuffed tubes in 2246 children aged from birth to five years undergoing general anaesthesia. There was no significant difference in post-extubation stridor but the need for tube exchange was 2.1% in the cuffed and 30.8% in the uncuffed groups (P<0.0001).
From the resuscitation point of view, there remain few if any arguments for using an uncuffed tube.
Prospective randomized controlled multi-centre trial of cuffed or uncuffed endotracheal tubes in small children
Greater Sydney Area HEMS 