Intracuff alkalinized 2 % lignocaine versus air for endotracheal tube induced postoperative sore throat and other laryngotracheal morbidities- A randomized, controlled trial

Abstract

Background

General anesthesia with endotracheal intubation can cause postoperative sore throat (POST). The utility of intracuff lignocaine for reduction of POST in children has not been widely reported. Current study aimed to assess incidence of POST in children by comparing the effect of 2 % alkalinized lignocaine or air filled in cuffed endotracheal tube (ETT).

Methodology

This prospective randomized controlled trial enrolled 64 ASAI,II children, 4–10 years planned for more than 1 h of elective surgery. After endotracheal intubation, the tube cuff was inflated with alkalinized 2 % lignocaine (Group L) or air(Group A). Post operative vitals and pain was noted at regular time intervals. Emergence delirium was assessed using Watcha score. Post-anesthesia recovery characteristics were assessed using Modified Aldrete Score. POST and other post-operative events like cough, thirst, hunger, vomiting were assessed for 24 h. SPSS version 22.0 was used for descriptive and inferential statistics. P value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Around 5(15.6 %) patients postoperatively,4(12.5 %) after waking up and2(6.2 %) at POD1 had sore throat in Group A while none had Group L. No significant difference was noted for post-operative sore throat, hoarseness, cough, vomiting, thirst and hunger at 1–2 h and POD1.

Conclusions

Inflating the ETT cuff with 2 % alkalinized lignocaine reduced the incidence of sore throat, hoarseness and emergence agitation. Further studies are required to validate the results.