Postoperative Sore Throat, Cough, Hoarseness

Postoperative sore throat is the most common complication following general anesthsia with endotracheal intubation with incidence ranging from 21 to 65% Although usually self-limiting, it significantly affects patient's comfort, satisfaction and may adversely affect the quality of recovery in postoperative period. Laparoscopic cholecystectomy is one of the most performed laparoscopic surgeries and is routinely carried out under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Several factors associated with this procedure like mechanical manipulation of airway during laryngoscopy and intubation, prolonged pressure of endotracheal tube cuff on the tracheal mucosa, pneumoperitoneum and positional changes during surgery may increase the risk of postoperative airway irritation and inflammation leading to sore throat, cough, hoarseness of voice. various methods have been used for prevention of postoperative sore throat including topic local anesthetics, lubricants and systemic corticosteroid. Among sytemic steroid, Dexameathsone has shown to reduce airway inflammation and postoperative airway complications. However systemic administration may be associated with adverse effects such as hyperglycaemia, immunosupression and delayed wound healing. Intracuff administration of dexamethasone provides an alternative approach that may help reduce postoperative airway complications while minimising systemic exposure. In this approach drug is instilled into the endotracheal tube cuff, causing it to gradually diffuse across the cuff membrane exerts local anti- inflammatory effect on the tracheal mucosa, thereby reducing inflammation and irritation exerts local anti- inflammatory effect on the tracheal mucosa, thereby reducing inflammation and irritation. This study aims to evaluate the effect of intracuff dexamethasone on the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat in patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. The primary objective is to compare the incidence of postoperative sore throat between patients receiving intracuff dexamethasone and those receiving intracuff normal saline. Secondary objective includes comparing the severity of postoperative sore throat as well as the incidence and severity of postoperative cough and hoarseness of voice assessed within first 24 hours of surgery. The study will be conducted as a prospective, double blind randomised controlled trial in the routine operation theatre of BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences(BPKIHS),Dharan, Nepal. A total of 40 adult patients aged 18-65 years with ASA PS I or II and scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy will be included. Participants will be randomly allocated in two groups in a ratio of 1:1. In the intervention group, cuff will be inflated with dexamethasone(0.01mg/g) diluted with normal saline, while in control group the cuff will be inflated with normal saline alone. Postoperative sore throat, cough and hoarseness of voice will be assess at 2,6, 12 and 24 hours after extubation using standardised grading scale. Data will be analysed using SPSS software and MS Excel. Continuous variables will be compared using the independent t test while the categorical variables will be analysed using the chi-square test or Fisher's test. A P value of\<0.05 will be considered statistically significant. Ethical approval will be obtained from the IRC of BPKIHS and NHRC. This study may help identify a simple and cost effective strategy to reduce postoperative airway discomfort and improve patient recovery after laparoscopic cholecytectomy.

Abstract Objective: The aim of this study is to compare two different ways of adjusting the air-filled cushion (cuff) of the breathing tube used during general anesthesia in children undergoing laparoscopic appendectomy (closed surgery for appendicitis). The goal is to see if maintaining the pressure in this cushion within a safe, specific range (15-18 mmHg) helps prevent or reduce sore throat, hoarseness, and discomfort, which are common postoperative complications in children. Study Design: This is a prospective, randomized, controlled study. Sixty children aged 6 to 18 years scheduled for laparoscopic appendectomy will be included. Participants will be randomly assigned to two equal groups: Group A (Control Group): Breathing tube cuff pressure is adjusted using the standard "feeling" (finger palpation) method common in routine practice. Group B (Intervention Group): Breathing tube cuff pressure is measured throughout the surgery using a medical pressure sensor (manometer) and maintained within a safe range (15-18 mmHg). Research Questions: Does actively monitoring airway pressure reduce the number of children experiencing postoperative sore throat? Does this method reduce the severity of sore throat, cough, hoarseness, or other respiratory discomfort compared to the standard method? What will happen? During surgery, respiratory and heart rate measurements will be recorded every 15 minutes for all participants. After surgery, researchers will visit participants (and their parents) at 2, 6, and 24 hours postoperatively to assess the presence of sore throat, discomfort, or hoarseness. No additional medications or invasive procedures will be used for this study; only how we manage airway pressure will be compared.

This randomized clinical trial aims to evaluate the effectiveness of two medications-hydrocortisone ointment and lidocaine solution-applied to the endotracheal tube in reducing postoperative throat pain, hoarseness, and cough following thyroid or parathyroid surgery with neuromonitoring. A total of 764 adult patients undergoing elective neck surgery at Saint-Petersburg State University Hospital will be enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either a hydrocortisone-coated or lidocaine-coated endotracheal tube. Outcomes will be assessed upon awakening from anesthesia, at 24 hours, and again at 3 days postoperatively. The findings may contribute to improving postoperative comfort and recovery for patients undergoing similar surgical procedures.