Effects of nebulised magnesium versus dexamethasone on postoperative sore throat prevention in patients undergoing general anaesthesia at Ile-Ife, Nigeria

Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common postoperative complaint. It is distressing and deter recovery. Several options have been used for POST prevention with varying outcome. We explored the effects of nebulised magnesium and dexamethasone on POST.Objectives: This was to explore the effects of nebulised magnesium, and dexamethasone on the incidence and severity of POST.Methods: Eighty-seven patients, who had general anaesthesia were randomised into three groups. Group M (n-29) were nebulised with 500mg magnesium, group D (n-29) were nebulised with 8mg dexamethasone, while group S (n-29) were nebulised with saline. The incidence and severity of POST, rescue analgesics use, and satisfaction score were assessed.Results: The mean incidence of POST was 5 (17%) in group M, which is lesser than group D, 8 (28%), and group S, (13, 45%) (p = 0.001). The mean incidence of mild and moderate POSTwas 4 (14%) and 1 (3%) in M, which is lesser than 6 (21%), and 2 (7%) in D, and in turn lesser than 9 (31%) and 4 (14%) in S, respectively (p = 0.002). Rescue pentazocine consumed was 30 ± 15mg in M, 45 ± 15mg in D, and 55 ± 20mg in S, (p=0.003). Incidence of favourable satisfaction scores was 26, (90%) in M, 22 (76%) in D, and 17 (59%), in S (p =0.001).Conclusion: Nebulised magnesium provided a more effective POST prevention than dexamethasone.