Can We Reduce Postoperative Airway Symptoms Related To Endotracheal Intubation In Elective General Anesthesia?

Objective: To assess whether applying betamethasone-gel to an endotracheal tube is more effective than using an unlubricated endotracheal tube in minimizing the occurrence of postoperative sore throat, hoarseness, and cough. Methods: 144 patients of the American Society of anaesthesiologists-physical status (ASA-PS) I and II, aged 18–65 years of either gender planned for elective surgery under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation were included. Patients undergoing ENT /oral cavity / oropharyngeal surgeries and upper respiratory tract infections were excluded. Patients were divided into two groups. In group X, patients were intubated with an endotracheal tube lubricated with 0.05% betamethasone-gel. In group Y patients were intubated with the unlubricated endotracheal tube. All patients were evaluated for the frequency of POST, HOV and PEC at 24 h after extubation. Results: Post-operative sore throat was present in 25 (34.7%) patients in group X and 29 (40.3%) patients in group Y. Post-extubation cough was present in 06 (8.3%) patients in group X and 9 (12.5%) patients in group Y. Hoarseness of voice was present in 04 (5.6%) patients in group X and 6 (8.3%) patients in group Y. A comparison of both groups showed a p-value of 0.0001 which is statistically significant. Conclusion: Using betamethasone-gel to lubricate the endotracheal tube markedly diminishes the frequency and intensity of postoperative airway symptoms. Keywords: Endotracheal intubation, betamethasone, sore throat, cough, hoarseness, anesthesia.