The pressor response and airway effects of cricoid pressure during induction of general anesthesia

Cricoid pressure (CP) has been used to protect the patient from regurgitati on and gastric insufflation. Because the hemodynamic effects of CP have not been evaluated independently, we designed this prospective study. Eighty A SA I adult patients were prospectively included in the study. Patients were randomly divided into Cricoid and Placebo groups. In the Cricoid group, af ter the induction of anesthesia, bimanual CP was performed, and in the Cont rol group, simple placement of hands without exerting pressure was performe d. Peak inspiratory pressure and exhaled tidal volume were recorded before and during the application of CP. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate we re recorded before and after application of CP. The data were compared betw een and within groups by using the mixed-design analysis of variance. Peak inspiratory pressure increased and tidal volume decreased significantly aft er the application of CP compared with the Control group and baseline value s. Arterial blood pressure and heart rate increased significantly after the application of CP compared with the baseline values and with those of the Control group. The result of this study shows that CP can cause a relativel y strong pressor response.