Incidence and risk factors of postoperative sore throat after endotracheal intubation in Korean patients

Abstract

ObjectiveTo investigate the incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST) in Korean patients undergoing general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation and to assess potential risk factors.MethodsThis prospective study enrolled patients who underwent all types of elective surgical procedures with endotracheal intubation and general anaesthesia. The patients were categorized into group S (those with a POST) or group N (those without a POST). The demographic, clinical and anaesthetic characteristics of each group were compared.ResultsThis study enrolled 207 patients and the overall incidence of POST was 57.5% (n = 119). Univariate analysis revealed that significantly more patients in group S had a cough at emergence and hoarseness in the postanaesthetic care unit compared with group N. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that an intracuff pressure ≥17 cmH2O was associated with POST. Multivariate analysis identified an intracuff pressure ≥17 cmH2O and cough at emergence as risk factors for POST. At emergence, as the intracuff pressure over ≥17 cmH2O increased, the incidence of hoarseness increased.ConclusionsAn intracuff pressure ≥17 cmH2O and a cough at emergence were risk factors for POST in Korean patients. Intracuff monitoring during anaesthesia and a smooth emergence are needed to prevent POST.

Optimising conditions for tracheal intubation: should neuromuscular blocking agents always be used?

“…Since then a wealth of literature has been published on postoperative sore throat but changes in clinical practice do not seem to be improving this adverse effect. 24,25 Very recently, Lee and colleagues 26 reported an incidence of postoperative sore throat of 57.5%, similar to Cronin and colleagues 23 45 yr ago and still embarrassingly high. Lee again related the complaint to tracheal cuff pressures of >17 cm H 2 O and coughing on emergence from anaesthesia as had been suggested previously.…”

Incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat: a randomized comparison of Glidescope with Macintosh laryngoscope

“…POST has been rated by patients as the eighth most adverse effect in the postoperative period [ 3 ]. The incidence of POST after ET intubation varies from 14.4–90% [ 1 , 4 , 5 ].…”

Is Emergence Time Related to Emergence Agitation in Pediatric Patients?

“…During awake airway removal, a patient can move their head and neck and cough, which can lead to postoperative sore throat (POST). 40 POST, in turn, can affect eating behaviors depending on its severity, 41,42 while EA usually happens after the patient wakes up from the anesthesia. There were two limitations to this outcome assessment.…”