158
Views
0
CrossRef citations to date
0
Altmetric
Original Research

The Knowledge of Health Professionals About the Application of Cricoid Pressure in a Low-Income Country: A Single-Center Survey Study

ORCID Icon, , ORCID Icon, , ORCID Icon & ORCID Icon
Pages 273-278 | Published online: 25 Jan 2021

Abstract

Background

The application of cricoid pressure requires good knowledge and practice of health professionals who are working in operation theatres to prevent pulmonary aspiration. This study aims to assess the application of cricoid pressure knowledge and practice in health professionals who are working in the operation theatres.

Methods

This survey-based study was conducted in health care professionals who are working in the operation theatre of Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from November 1 to December 1, 2020. A structured checklist was used to collect data regarding the knowledge and practice of the application of cricoid pressure.

Results

A total of 43 health professionals who are working in the operation theaters were involved in this study with a response rate of 81%. The correct anatomic position of cricoid cartilage was not identified in 67% of nurses. We found that 78% of anesthetists did not use the nasogastric tube for decompression, and 83% of them complain of difficult intubation during the application of cricoid pressure.

Conclusion

Health care professionals who are working in operation theatres had poor knowledge and practice in the application of cricoid pressure.

Introduction

Cricoid pressure is the application of pressure on the cricoid cartilage for patients who undergo surgery under general anesthesia.Citation1Citation4 Applying cricoid pressure is an essential skill of health care professionals who are working in operation theatres, especially anesthetists.Citation5,Citation6

The safe practice of cricoid pressure might require good knowledge of its anatomy, technique of application, and complications.Citation7,Citation8 The application of cricoid pressure during rapid sequence induction might protect the pulmonary aspiration of gastric contents.Citation9,Citation10 The cricoid pressure can result in the rupture of the esophagus when it is applied during vomiting.Citation4,Citation9,Citation11,Citation12 An application of cricoid pressure needs an assistant who can locate the cricoid cartilage; apply and release; apply force in the correct direction; apply the correct force, and be able to maintain the force for as long as needed.Citation5,Citation6,Citation13

The force applied during cricoid pressure revealed that most assistants used inadequate force,Citation14,Citation15 and cricoid pressure may rupture when it is applied during vomiting,Citation16 and some assistants may apply too much force that distorts the patient’s anatomy and might intubation more difficult.Citation17Citation19 An inappropriately applied cricoid pressure warrants evaluation of the cognitive knowledge and application technique of it.Citation6,Citation20Citation23 There were controversies regarding the application of cricoid pressure in preventing pulmonary aspiration.Citation4,Citation24,Citation25 The purpose of this study is to assess the application of cricoid pressure knowledge in health professionals who are working in the operation theatres in a low-income country.

Methods

Study Design, Setting, and Period

This survey-based study was conducted in Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital which is found in the north-central part of Ethiopia. It is located in the Debub Gondar Zone of the Amhara Region of Ethiopia, about 100 kilometers northeast of Bahir Dar city and 50 kilometers east of Lake Tana, with a latitude and longitude of 11°51′N 38°1′E and an elevation of 2706 meters (8878 feet) above sea level.Citation26 The Hospital has 23 anesthetists, 17 physicians (Surgeons, Gynecologists and Orthopedicians), and 13 nurses who are working in four operation theatres. It provides more than 2000 surgical cases annually. The study was conducted from November 1 to December 1, 2020.

Sampling Technique

All health care workers who are working in the operation theatres of Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital.

Data Collection Technique

A structured checklist regarding the knowledge and practice of health care workers who work in the operation theatres of Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. The checklist for data collection was adopted from different studies.Citation7,Citation27Citation29 The checklist consists of two sections as follows: Section 1: Assessment of knowledge of health care professionals on cricoid pressure application; Some of the questions were: where did you learn to apply cricoid pressure, where does cricoid cartilage lie, and use of cricoid pressure, etc. Section 2: Assessment of the practice of cricoid pressure in anesthetists; Some of the questions were: do you routinely mask ventilate during rapid sequence induction, do you decompress the stomach by nasogastric tube before rapid sequence induction, do you remove the nasogastric tube before rapid sequence induction, have you witnessed regurgitation during application of cricoid pressure, and have you experienced difficulty to intubate during application of cricoid pressure. After taking oral and written informed consent, study participants were asked to fill up the English version checklist about their routine practice and knowledge regarding cricoid pressure application.

Data Analysis

Data were checked manually for completeness, coded and entered into SPSS version 23 computer program for analysis. Descriptive statistics were employed to summarize the results by frequencies and percentages.

Data Quality Control

The investigators cross-checked for the completeness, and consistency of the data before data analysis.

Results

Knowledge of Cricoid Pressure Application

A total of 43 out of 53 health professionals who are working in the operation theater (18 anesthetists, 13 physicians, and 12 nurses) were involved in the study, which yielded a response rate of 81%. The correct anatomic position of cricoid cartilage was identified by 94%, 100%, and 33% of anesthetists, physicians, and nurses, respectively. Sixty-seven percent of nurses replied cricoid pressure is applied to prevent pulmonary aspiration during induction of anesthesia ().

Table 1 Assessment of Knowledge of Health Care Professionals on Cricoid Pressure Application at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, 2020 (n=43)

The Practice of Cricoid Pressure Application

The majority (83%) of anesthetists complain of difficulty to intubate during the application of cricoid pressure and 72%, of the respondents, have witnessed regurgitation during application of cricoid pressure ().

Table 2 Assessment of the Practice of Cricoid Pressure in Anesthetists Who are Working at Debre Tabor Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, 2020 (n=18)

Discussion

Even though the efficacy of cricoid pressure in preventing pulmonary aspiration had controversial results,Citation2,Citation25 it is better to at least try to prevent aspiration with cricoid pressure in a low-income country to prevent serious postoperative sequelae and it may be of huge importance for a low-income setting where intensive care beds are very scarce.

The lack of knowledge regarding the application of cricoid pressure in health care professionals who are working in operation theatres may increase the risk of aspiration of gastric contents, rupture of the esophagus, aggravation of cervical spine injury, makes difficult tracheal intubation, and complete airway obstruction.Citation3,Citation30Citation33

This study revealed that the knowledge on the anatomical structure of cricoid cartilage was insufficient in nurses (33%), whereas anesthetists (94%) and physicians (100%) had good knowledge in identifying it. Our study showed that there was a significant knowledge gap in the identification of the cricoid cartilage. In line with our finding some studies reported that health care professionals had poor knowledge in identifying the cricoid cartilage, the amount of cricoid pressure force required, and the correct application of cricoid pressure.Citation2,Citation34,Citation35 Most of our study participants had poor knowledge and skill regarding when cricoid pressure is released. Similarly, research conducted by Krishnan et al health professionals had inadequate knowledge when cricoid pressure is released.Citation28

We found that 72% of anesthetists did not mask ventilate during rapid sequence induction and 78% of them did not use the nasogastric tube for decompression, 28% of the anesthetists witnessed regurgitation during application of cricoid pressure, and 83% of anesthetists complain of difficult intubation during application of cricoid pressure. Similarly to our finding, a study done by Etanaa et al reported that 90% of the respondents do not mask ventilate during rapid sequence induction. Ninety-three percent of anesthetists did not remove the nasogastric tube before rapid sequence induction, and 70% complain of difficult intubation during the application of cricoid pressure.Citation7

Conclusion

All health care professionals who are working in operation theatres had deficient knowledge in the application of cricoid pressure. Educational interventions are needed to improve knowledge and hence the practice of cricoid pressure application.

Ethical Consideration

Ethical clearance was obtained from Debre Tabor University Ethical Review Committee. Written informed consent was secured from each study participant after the aim of the study is disclosed.

This study was conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

Author Contributions

All authors made a significant contribution to the work reported, whether that is in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; took part in drafting, revising or critically reviewing the article; gave final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.

Acknowledgments

Debre Tabor University.

Disclosure

The authors report no conflicts of interest for this work.

Additional information

Funding

There is no funding to report.

References

  • Sellick B. Cricoid pressure to control regurgitation of stomach contents during induction of anaesthesia. lancet. 1961;278(7199):404–406. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(61)92485-0
  • Yahaya NH, Teo R, Izaham A, Tang S, Yusof AM, Manap NA. [Analysis of cricoid pressure application: anaesthetic trainee doctors vs. nursing anaesthetic assistants].. Rev Bras Anestesiol. 2016;66(3):283–288. doi:10.1016/j.bjan.2016.02.013
  • Landsman I. Cricoid pressure: indications and complications. Pediatric Anesthesia. 2004;14(1):43–47. doi:10.1046/j.1460-9592.2003.01202.x
  • Zdravkovic M, Rice MJ, Brull SJ. The clinical use of cricoid pressure: first, do no harm. Anesth Analg. 2021;132(1):261–267. doi:10.1213/ANE.0000000000004360
  • Owen H, Follows V, Reynolds K, Burgess G, Plummer J. Learning to apply effective cricoid pressure using a part task trainer. Anaesthesia. 2002;57(11):1098–1101. doi:10.1046/j.1365-2044.2002.02836.x
  • Salem MR, Khorasani A, Zeidan A, Crystal GJ. Cricoid Pressure ControversiesNarrative Review. Anesthesiology. 2017;126(4):738–752. doi:10.1097/ALN.0000000000001489
  • Etanaa NB, Benwu KM. A survey of cricoid pressure application in a single institution in Ethiopia. BMC Res Notes. 2019;12(1):546. doi:10.1186/s13104-019-4586-4
  • Holmes N, Martin D, Begley AM. Cricoid pressure: a review of the literature. J Perioper Pract. 2011;21(7):234–238. doi:10.1177/175045891102100702
  • Ramaiah R, Stewart J, Bhananker S. Rapid-sequence intubation and cricoid pressure. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2014;4(1):42. doi:10.4103/2229-5151.128012
  • Fenton P, Reynolds F. Life-saving or ineffective? An observational study of the use of cricoid pressure and maternal outcome in an African setting. Int J Obstet Anesth. 2009;18(2):106–110. doi:10.1016/j.ijoa.2008.07.006
  • Vanner R, Asai T. Safe Use of Cricoid Pressure. Wiley Online Library; 1999.
  • Melia D. Cricoid pressure during rapid sequence induction: using the force or not. Br J Hosp Med. 2015;76(12):730. doi:10.12968/hmed.2015.76.12.730
  • Birenbaum A, Hajage D, Roche S, et al. Effect of cricoid pressure compared with a sham procedure in the rapid sequence induction of anesthesia: the IRIS randomized clinical trial. JAMA Surg. 2019;154(1):9–17. doi:10.1001/jamasurg.2018.3577
  • Navsa N, Tossel G, Boon J. Dimensions of the neonatal cricothyroid membrane - how feasible is a surgical cricothyroidotomy? Pediatric Anesthesia. 2005;15(5):402–406. doi:10.1111/j.1460-9592.2005.01470.x
  • Ogura JH, Biller HF. Reconstruction of the larynx following blunt trauma. Ann Otology Rhinol Laryngol. 1971;80(4):492–506. doi:10.1177/000348947108000411
  • Heath K, Palmer M, Fletcher S. Fracture of the cricoid cartilage after Sellick’s manoeuvre. Br J Anaesth. 1996;76(6):877–878. doi:10.1093/bja/76.6.877
  • Bowyer L. The Confidential Enquiry into Maternal and Child Health (CEMACH). Saving Mothers’ Lives: Reviewing Maternal Deaths to Make Motherhood Safer 2003–2005. The Seventh Report of the Confidential Enquiries into Maternal Deaths in the UK. London, England: SAGE Publications Sage UK; 2008.
  • Weindling A. The confidential enquiry into maternal and child health (CEMACH). Arch Dis Child. 2003;88(12):1034–1037. doi:10.1136/adc.88.12.1034
  • Trethewy CE, Burrows JM, Clausen D, Doherty SR. Effectiveness of cricoid pressure in preventing gastric aspiration during rapid sequence intubation in the emergency department: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial. Trials. 2012;13(1):1–6. doi:10.1186/1745-6215-13-17
  • Beavers RA. Analysis of Application of Cricoid Cartilage Pressure. University of Kansas; 2008.
  • Ho AM-H, Wong W, Ling E, Chung DC, Tay BA. Airway difficulties caused by improperly applied cricoid pressure. J Emerg Med. 2001;20(1):29–31. doi:10.1016/S0736-4679(00)00285-7
  • Chaney B, Brady MF. Sellick Maneuver (Cricoid Pressure). StatPearls [Internet]; 2020.
  • Xue N, Liu C, Sun J, et al. Miniature force sensing system for monitoring of optimal cricoid pressure for airway protection. IEEE Sens J. 2018;18(10):4303–4310. doi:10.1109/JSEN.2018.2821697
  • Zdravkovic M, Berger‐Estilita J, Sorbello M, Hagberg C. An international survey about rapid sequence intubation of 10,003 anaesthetists and 16 airway experts. Anaesthesia. 2020;75(3):313–322. doi:10.1111/anae.14867
  • Loganathan N, Liu E. Cricoid pressure: ritual or effective measure? Singapore Med J. 2012;53(9):620–622.
  • Autor C. Assessment of Productive and Reproductive Performances of Cross Breed Dairy cows in Debre tabor town. Assessment. 2014;4:23.
  • Howells T, Chamney AR, Wraight W, Simons R. The application of cricoid pressure. An assessment and a survey of its practice.. Anaesthesia. 1983;38(5):457–460. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2044.1983.tb14030.x
  • Krishnan B, Sanjib D, Harikrishna D, Rajlakshmi B, Korula G. Cricoid pressure: a survey of its practice in India. Indian J Anaesth. 2007;51(6):505.
  • Vanner R. Tolerance of cricoid pressure by conscious volunteers. Int J Obstet Anesth. 1992;1(4):195–198. doi:10.1016/0959-289X(92)80005-D
  • Georgescu A, Miller JN, Lecklitner ML. The Sellick maneuver causing complete airway obstruction. Anesth Analg. 1992;74(3):457–459. doi:10.1213/00000539-199203000-00022
  • Brimacombe JR, Berry AM. Cricoid pressure. Canadian J Anaesthesia. 1997;44(4):414–425. doi:10.1007/BF03014464
  • Escott M, Owen H, Strahan A, Plummer J. Cricoid pressure training: how useful are descriptions of force? Anaesth Intensive Care. 2003;31(4):388–391. doi:10.1177/0310057X0303100406
  • Boet S, Duttchen K, Chan J, et al. Cricoid pressure provides incomplete esophageal occlusion associated with lateral deviation: a magnetic resonance imaging study. J Emerg Med. 2012;42(5):606–611. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2011.05.014
  • Koziol CA, Cuddeford JD, Moos DD. Assessing the force generated with application of cricoid pressure. AORN J. 2000;72(6):1018–1030. doi:10.1016/S0001-2092(06)61907-8
  • Nafiu OO, Bradin S, Tremper KK. Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice Regarding Cricoid Pressure of ED Personnel at a Large U.S. Teaching Hospital. J Em Nursing. 2009;35(1):11–15. doi:10.1016/j.jen.2008.01.009