Triamcinolone Acetonide Paste Applied over the Laryngeal Mask Airway to Reduce the Severity of Postoperative Sore Throat

Abstract

Objective: Topical steroids are a good option for preventing postoperative sore throat (POST). This study examined whether triamcinolone paste applied as lubricant reduces the severity of POST following laryngeal mask airway (LMA) insertion. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. The study enrolled 50 American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I-II patients who were between 20 and 70 years of age and scheduled for elective surgery under general anesthesia. The patients were divided randomly into two groups. Patients in the chlorhexidine group (the placebo group) were inserted with a LMA lubricated with chlorhexidine gluconate jelly, whereas patients in the triamcinolone group were inserted with a LMA lubricated with 0.1% triamcinolone acetonide paste. The patients were interviewed 1, 6, and 24 hours after the operation. The incidence and severity of POST and the incidence of cough and hoarseness were recorded. Results: The difference of the POST incidence during the 24 hours after the operation was not significant (34.8% in triamcinolone group vs. 45.5% in chlorhexidine group, P = 0.381). The severity score in the triamcinolone group was significantly lower than the chlorhexidine group at 1 hour after the operation (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the incidence of cough, hoarse ness, dysphagia, nausea, or dry throat between the two groups. Conclusion: Triamcinolone paste applied as lubricant reduces the severity of POST following LMA insertion.