Effects of topical dexamethasone in postoperative sore throat

Abstract

BackgroundPostoperative 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.MethodsNinety 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.ResultsThe 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).ConclusionsAmong 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.

Topical application of corticosteroids to tracheal tubes to prevent postoperative sore throat in adults undergoing tracheal intubation: a systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…S1). After applying our inclusion and exclusion criteria, we finally included 20 randomised controlled trials involving 2200 patients (Table ). The ASA physical status classification, corticosteroid agents and comparators are listed in Table .…”

“…Corticosteroids were applied from the distal tip of tracheal tubes to a distance of 15 cm (eight trials) , 10 cm (one trial) , 17 cm (one trial) and to one‐third of the distal area over the tubes (two trials) ; the remainder did not specify the size of the lubricated area. All but five of the trials were published in English; four were written in Chinese and one in Indonesian .…”

“…Data on postoperative sore throat 24 h after surgery were provided in 18 trials (1506 patients) . Corticosteroids applied to tracheal tubes were associated with a reduced incidence of postoperative sore throat compared with non‐analgesic comparators, RR (95%CI) 0.39 (0.32–0.46), I 2 = 33.5% (Fig.…”

“…Two trials compared corticosteroids applied to tracheal tubes with intravenous (i.v.) dexamethasone , and one each using ketamine gargle and dexamethasone gargle . Nine trials compared corticosteroids with lidocaine applied to tracheal tubes .…”

“…Corticosteroids applied to tracheal tubes were no better than i.v. dexamethasone (postoperative sore throat) , ketamine gargle (postoperative sore throat, cough and hoarseness) or dexamethasone gargle (postoperative sore throat) (Figs. S5 and S6).…”