Effects of topical dexamethasone in postoperative sore throat

• Published in: Korean journal of anesthesiology Vol. 70; no. 1; pp. 58 - 63
• Main Authors: Lee, Jeong Han, Kim, Soo Bin, Lee, Wonjin, Ki, Seunghee, Kim, Myoung-Hun, Cho, Kwangrae, Lim, Se Hun, Lee, Kun Moo, Choi, Deul-Nyuck, Oh, Minkyung
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Korea (South) The Korean Society of Anesthesiologists 01.02.2017; Korean Society of Anesthesiologists; 대한마취통증의학회
• Subjects: Clinical; dexamethasone; intratracheal intubation; laparoscopic cholecystectomy; pharyngitis; postoperative complication; 마취과학; Dexamethasone; Pharyngitis; Postoperative complication; Laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Intratracheal intubation
• ISSN: 2005-6419; 2005-7563
• DOI: 10.4097/kjae.2017.70.1.58

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a complication that undermines patient satisfaction and increases discomfort in the postoperative period. The present study examined the effects of dexamethasone gargle and endotracheal tube cuff soaking on the incidence and severity of POST. Ninety patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly allocated into three groups: 0.9% normal saline gargling and tube soaking (group C), 0.05% dexamethasone solution gargling and 0.9% normal saline tube soaking (group G), 0.9% normal saline gargling and 0.05% dexamethasone tube soaking (group S). The incidence and severity of POST were then assessed and recorded at 24 hours after surgery. The total incidence of POST was significantly different among the groups (P < 0.05), and group S exhibited a significantly lower incidence of POST than group C (P < 0.0167). In addition, the POST intensity of group G and group S was less severe than those of group C (Both P < 0.0167). Among patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy, those who gargled with 0.05% dexamethasone solution exhibited lower severity of POST than the control group, and those whose endotracheal tube cuff was soaked in the dexamethasone solution before intubation exhibited significantly lower incidence and severity of POST than the control group.