Use of Zinc Lozenges in the Prevention of Postoperative Sore Throat

Objectives: To determine the efficacy of Zinc lozenges in preventing postoperative sore throat after endotracheal intubation. Methodology: A total of 110 patients planned for low to moderate-risk surgeries with endotracheal intubation were randomized in to 2 equal groups. In Group A, patients were given Zinc lozenges (equivalent to 40 mg of elemental Zinc) 30 min before surgery. In Group B, patients were not given any such treatment. After extubation, assessment of sore throat was done using a standard 4-point scale for the incidence and severity at 0, 2, 4 and 24 hours. The incidence of sore throat at 4 hours post-surgery was defined as the primary outcome of the study. The secondary outcome was the incidence of sore throat at 0, 2, and 24 hours and the severity of incidences during 24 hours. Results: The Mean±SD of age in this study was 44.08±6.92 years. The female gender was 52.73%, while male gender was 47.27%. The study's primary outcome showed a 22% lower incidence of postoperative sore throat at 4 hours in Group A compared to Group B (10.9 Vs 32.72, p=0.005). There were also considerably low incidences of sore throat (14% and 16% respectively) at 0 and 2 hours follow-up; however, difference observed at 24 hours follow-up was insignificant (p=0.207). The comparison of mild, moderate and severe sore throat during 24 hours also shows significantly lower incidences in Group A compared to Group B. Conclusion: Administration of Zinc lozenges 30 minutes before surgery effectively reduces the severity and incidence of postoperative sore throat after endotracheal intubation. Keywords: Endotracheal intubation, Postoperative sore throat, Zinc Lozenge.