Efficacy of prophylactic intravenous dexamethasone on postoperative laryngotracheal symptoms after orotracheal extubation: A randomized study

Abstract

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is not an uncommon complaint and has been described as one of the most undesirable outcomes during the postoperative period after orotracheal extubation, because it adversely affects the patient satisfaction and activities after discharge from hospital. Cough and hoarseness are other problems that follow intubation. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy of prophylactic intravenous dexamethasone in reducing post postoperative sore throat, cough and hoarseness of voice in patients operated under general anaesthesia with orotracheal intubation.After obtaining approval from hospital ethical committee and informed consent from the patients. The patients were divided in to two groups of 40 each. Group C- patients who received a placebo (normal saline) Group D- patients who received a treatment drug (dexamethasone). Assessment of patients for post-operative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness of voice at 1, 6 and, 24 hours after surgery will be carried out by the investigator and anaesthesiologist in charge of the post anaesthesia care unit, who is blinded to the group allocation, using the questionnaire.There was significant reduction in scores of postoperative sore throat and cough in 1postoperative hour (p<0.005) than in 6 and 24 hours in comparison with placebo group (group C). from the present study, it can be concluded that prophylactic iv dexamethasone administration significantly reduces postoperative sore throat, cough when compared to control groups.