Preemptive Effect of Two Different (Intracuff and Intravenous) Routes of Dexamethasone Administration on Postoperative Sore Throat and Cough

Abstract

Introduction: The most common complications following anesthesia intubation include postoperative sore throat, post-extubation cough, and hoarse voice. Currently, the use of preoperative Dexamethasone has been effective in controlling these complications. Therefore, the present study aimed to compare the preemptive effect of intracuff and intravenous routes of Dexamethasone administration for postoperative sore throat and cough. Materials and Methods: In the present clinical trial, 96 patients who underwent general anesthesia intubation were randomly assigned to three groups. The first group received 4 mg intracuff Dexamethasone, the second group received 4 mg intravenous Dexamethasone, and the third group was administered a placebo. Cough frequency and severity of a sore throat after extubation were investigated in the three groups. Results: Any significant difference was not observed among the three groups regarding hemodynamic variables (P>0.01); however, the incidence of cough was significantly lower in all the three groups (P<0.01). Also, the average severity of a sore throat in PAR and 1 h after surgery in the three groups was significantly lower (P<0.05). Moreover, no difference was detected in the groups regarding the severity of a sore throat within 24 h post-surgery (P>0.01). Conclusion: The use of two methods of intravenous and intracuff Dexamethasone administration before surgery reduced the incidence of postoperative cough and the severity of sore throat in patients.