Does Use of a Soft Endotracheal Tube Reduce Epistaxis During Pediatric Oral and Maxillofacial Procedures?
J Oral Maxillofac SurgMay 26, 2026 (epub)
Zülfü Savaş, Fikret Salik
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In 30 seconds
This randomized controlled trial evaluated the incidence of epistaxis in 96 pediatric patients undergoing dental procedures with either spiral or RAE nasal endotracheal tubes. The study found that the frequency of epistaxis was significantly lower in the spiral tube group (33.3%) compared to the RAE group (54.2%, P = .04), indicating a potential benefit of using spiral tubes in this population.
Key findings
- Epistaxis occurred in 33.3% of the spiral tube group versus 54.2% in the RAE group (P = .04).
- Intubation time was shorter in the spiral tube group (29.0 seconds) compared to the RAE group (34.1 seconds, P = .005).
- The need for Magill forceps was significantly lower in the spiral tube group (31.2%) compared to the RAE group (79%, P < .001).
Why it matters
Understanding the impact of different nasal endotracheal tubes on complications like epistaxis can guide clinicians in selecting safer intubation methods for pediatric dental procedures, potentially improving patient outcomes.