Korean J Anesthesiol.  2017 Feb;70(1):58-63. 10.4097/kjae.2017.70.1.58.

Effects of topical dexamethasone in postoperative sore throat

• Lee JH
• Kim SB
• Lee W
• Ki S
• Kim MH
• Cho K
• Lim SH
• Lee KM
• Choi DN
• Oh M

• KMID: 2402896
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4097/kjae.2017.70.1.58

Abstract

BACKGROUND
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.
METHODS
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.
RESULTS
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).
CONCLUSIONS
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.

Keyword

Dexamethasone; Intratracheal intubation; Laparoscopic cholecystectomy; Pharyngitis; Postoperative complication

MeSH Terms

Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic
Dexamethasone*
Humans
Incidence
Intubation
Intubation, Intratracheal
Patient Satisfaction
Pharyngitis*
Postoperative Complications
Postoperative Period
Dexamethasone