Lidocaine spray 10 min prior to intubation: effects on postoperative sore throat

Abstract

A sore throat is the most frequent adverse side effect of general anesthesia. The purpose of this study was to compare the different types and timing of lidocaine application based on the effectiveness of reducing postoperative sore throat (POST) after endotracheal intubation. In group A, 8% lidocaine was sprayed on laryngopharyngeal structures immediately before intubation, and the distal ends of the endotracheal tubes (ETTs) were lubricated with 2% lidocaine gel. In group B, 8% lidocaine was sprayed, and ETTs were lubricated with normal saline. In groups C and D, no lidocaine was sprayed, and the ETTs were lubricated with normal saline (C, control) or with 2% lidocaine gel (D). In group E, 8% lidocaine was sprayed 10 min prior to endotracheal intubation, and the ETTs were lubricated with normal saline. In 527 patients, 28.2% reported POST at 24 h following extubation. Statistically significant differences in the incidence of POST were found only between group E (16.0%) and each of the other groups (28.4-38.5%), except for group B (26.5%). In conclusion, 8% lidocaine spray significantly reduced the incidence of POST if it was sprayed on laryngopharyngeal structures 10 min prior to endotracheal intubation.

Gender differences in risk factors for airway symptoms following tracheal intubation

“…In two published studies to date, the authors found that patients in the age group 30–40 years (women and men) were at an increased risk of POST . In other studies, older patients > 60 years (women) or ≤ 70 years (women and men) have been suggested to be at an increased risk. In our study, women > 40 years were more prone to develop POST, but not the men.…”

Application of triamcinolone acetonide paste to the endotracheal tube to reduce postoperative sore throat

“…It has been shown that chemical additives in some endotracheal tube lubricants, including local anesthetics, can irritate airway mucosa, potentially causing airway mucosal damage and ultimately leading to an increased incidence and severity of POST. 3 The article did not clearly explain whether the 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide paste was a special preparation for airway mucosal use, hence, we suggest cautious interpretation of these findings.…”

In reply to comment on “Lidocaine spray 10 min prior to intubation: effects on postoperative sore throat”

“…We thank Fu Shan Xue and colleagues for their interest in our recent article [1]. First, there were no exclusion criteria in our study after the obtaining of informed consent.…”