Effect of a combination of 2% lidocaine jelly and thermally softened endotracheal tube on postoperative sore throat

Abstract

Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common adverse event after general anesthesia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of 2% lidocaine jelly applied on the single-lumen endotracheal tube (ETT) and thermal softening of the ETT, and a combination of both interventions on the development of POST. Methods: Patients (n = 144) undergoing general anesthesia were randomly assigned to one of four groups: Control group (un-softened ETT lubricated with saline); Lidocaine group (un-softened ETT lubricated with 2% lidocaine jelly); Softened group (thermally softened ETT lubricated with saline); and Combined group (thermally softened ETT lubricated with 2% lidocaine jelly). Sore throat was evaluated at 0, 1, 6, 24, and 48 h after extubation. The occurrence of any postoperative complication was also assessed including hoarseness and coughing. Results: No significant difference was observed in the severity of POST at all time points. However, the incidences of POST for overall (0–48 h) and the immediately following period (0 h) were significantly lower in the Combined group (52.9% and 47.1%) than in the Control group (79.4% and 76.5%), Lidocaine group (81.8% and 78.8%), and Softened group (82.9% and 74.3%). The overall incidence of hoarseness did not differ among the groups. No other postoperative complication was observed in any of the patients. Conclusions: No differences were observed in the severity of POST. However, 2% lidocaine jelly applied on thermally softened ETT reduced the overall incidence of POST. Therefore, this combined intervention could be considered as an alleviating strategy for POST.