Effect of the tracheal tube cuff content on the postoperative sore throat

Abstract

Sore throat is a common and discomforting symptom after endotracheal intubation. The frequency, extent and intensity of sore throat show large variability. We have evaluated the efficacy of different contents of endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs during anestesia on postoperative sore throat. 185 patients of ASA class I - III undergoing major abdominal surgery assigned randomly into five groups. After tracheal intubation ETT cuffs filled as follows: 4 % lidocaine (L) (Group I, n = 38), 4 % L + 0.1 ml/10 ml 10 % NaHCO3 (Group II, n = 36), saline (Group III, n = 37), ETT cuffs prefilled for 15-20 h with 4 % L and inflated with air after intubation (Group IV, n = 36), air (Group V, n = 38). Number of patients with effort at emergence period was significantly less in Group I and II than the other groups (12, 4, 32, 26, 32 respectively, p<0.05). Number of patients with sore throat and also the severity maesured by 100 mm visuel analog scale were significantly high in Group III and V according to Group II at 1. and 24. hour postoperatively. We conclude that the L filled ETT cuff provides a continuous source of L, may lead to a effortless emergence from anesthesia. It prevents postoperative sore throat and limits the severity of it.