Preoperative Nebulisation with Dexmedetomidine to Prevent Postoperative Sore Throat in Patients Undergoing General Anaesthesia

Abstract

Introduction: Several pharmacological and non-pharmacological ways have been used to prevent Post-Operative Sore Throat (POST). Post-Operative Sore Throat (POST) can be prevented with or without medical management. Dexmedetomidine is a selective alpha 2 adrenergic agonists which can be used for pre-operative nebulization to prevent POST. Dexmedetomidine absorption will be greater through transmucosal route as it is a highly lipid soluble agent. It is a highly lipid soluble agent with good systemic absorption during transmucosal administration. Aim: To assess the efficacy of dexmedetomidine nebulisation in reducing POST in patient who require general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Materials and Methods: This randomized control study was conducted from January 2022 to March 2022. There were 60 patients separated into 2 groups and 30 patients in each. The patients were of age more than 18 years and belonged to American society of Anesthesiology (ASA) grade I and II, posted for elective surgery under general anesthesia. Group D was given dexmedetomidine 50 mcg (1 ml) with 3 ml of saline and made it total volume of 4 ml nebulisation and Group C was given 4 ml of saline nebulisation. Sore throat was evaluated at 0, 2nd,4th,6th,12th and 24th hour after extubation, during the post-operative period. Results: Mean age (SD) of patients in group D was 33.5±12.9 years and that in group C was 36.83±14.5years (P value=0.23). During post operative period, the severeness of sore throat was remarkably lesser in Group D especially from 4th hour upto 24th hour. Severeness of POST was remarkably lesser in group D compared to group C patients over the 4th -24th hours. Conclusion: Dexmedetomidine nebulisation given prior to surgery is beneficial in reducing POST, with minimal haemodynamic disturbance. Dexmedetomidine in nebulised form is therefore a safe option for lowering POST