Beclomethasone inhaler versus intravenous lidocaine in the prevention of postoperative airway and throat complaints: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background and Objective: Previous reports indicate that inhaled corticosteroids attenuate airway inflammation. Beclomethasone inhaler was highly effective in the prevention of postoperative airway symptoms. Intravenous lidocaine prior to endotracheal intubation has also been shown to decrease the incidence of postoperative sore throat and cough. The aim of the present study was to compare the effect of beclomethasone inhaler with various clinically used dosages of intravenous lidocaine prior to endotracheal intubation on the incidenca and severity of postoperative sore throat, cough, sputum, hoarseness, and dysphagia. Patients and Methods: One hundred twenty patients undergoing elective operations were assigned to one of four treatments: intravenous lidocaine 1mg/kg (Group L1, n=30), intravenous lidocaine 1.5 mg/kg (Group L2, n=30), beclomethasone inhaler 50 μg (Group B, n=30) or intravenous normal saline (Group C, n=30). The incidence and severity of sore throat, cough, sputum, hoarseness, and dysphagia were compared between the beclomethasone inhaler and intravenous lidocaine groups before they left the operating room, 1 hour later, at time of the first postoperative drink or meal (for assessment of dysphagia), and on the morning after surgery. Results: In the evaluation of postoperative symptoms, the incidence and severity of sore throat were significantly lower in Group L2 and B than Group C (P