The Effect of Anticholinergic Agents on Postoperative Sore Throat in Patients Undergoing Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

Abstract

Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine,College of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Korea－Abstract－Background：After sinus surgery, airway dryness is made worse because patients breathe by mouth. Anticholinergic agents have antisialogogue effects. The airway dryness that occurs after surgery is severe and can increase the incidence of postoperative sore throat.Materials and Methods：One-hundered patients who were scheduled for endoscopic sinus surgery(ESS) were divided into four groups. Each group was premedicated with glycopyrrolate or had no premedication and reversed with glycopyrrolate or atropine. After the surgery the patients were asked about a sore throat and hoarseness postoperatively after 1h, 6h, 12h, 24h, and 48hours, respectively.Results：The incidence of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness was not significantly different among the four groups at any time.Conclusion：The severity of complications after ESS was low and subsided within 24 hours. Therefore, the use of anticholinergic agents does not need to be limited.