Postoperative Sore Throat Research Articles

Does intubation while observing the glottis with a fiberoptic scope reduce postoperative sore throat?

Does intubation while observing the glottis with a fiberoptic scope reduce postoperative sore throat?

Effects of GlideScope, Pentax Airway Scope, and Macintosh Blade on the incidence of postoperative sore throat: a cohort study of 9,881 patients.

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common complaint after general anesthesia. POST is defined by the presence of a self-reported foreign body sensation or a painful sensation in the throat after general anesthesia. This condition may affect recovery and patient satisfaction and is associated with many factors, including intubation tools. Previous studies have reported conflicting results on POST. This retrospective cohort study, with sample size of 9,881 patients, was conducted to confirm the hypothesis that the use of video laryngoscopy (VL) is associated with a lower incidence of POST compared with direct laryngoscopy (DL). Data were extracted from a prospectively maintained quality improvement database. A total of 9,881 patients were included in the study. Statistical analysis was conducted for comparisons of demographic characteristics and to determine the effect of intubation tools on the incidence of POST. The patients had similar baseline demographic characteristics. Compared with DL, VL was associated with a lower incidence of POST (12.98% vs. 17.49%, P < 0.001). In addition, the use of Pentax Airway Scope (AWS) was associated with a lower incidence of POST compared with the use of GlideScope (GVL, 8.14% vs. 16.25%, P < 0.001). To better adjust for possible confounding factors, mixed-effects generalized linear model analysis revealed that older age (odds ratio [OR]: 0.995, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.992-0.999, P = 0.006), AWS compared to DL (OR: 0.416, 95% CI: 0.350-0.494, P < 0.001), and male sex (OR: 0.836, 95% CI: 0.747-0.935, P = 0.002) are associated with reduced incidence of POST. Compared with DL, VL is associated with a lower incidence of POST. In addition, the use of AWS is associated with a lower incidence of POST compared with the use of GVL. Retrospectively registered, NCT06515808, date of registration: 23/07/2024.

Effect of ultrasound-guided internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve block on postoperative sore throat induced by a NIM-EMG-ETT: study protocol for a double-blinded randomized controlled trial

BackgroundPostoperative sore throat (POST) is a common complaint after general anaesthesia. The prevalence of POST caused by a neural integrity monitor electromyography endotracheal tube (NIM-EMG-ETT) is high. This study aimed to determine whether ultrasound-guided internal branch of superior laryngeal nerve block (iSLNB) could alleviate POST associated with a NIM-EMG-ETT.MethodsThis randomized controlled trial plans to enroll 182 patients scheduled to undergo general anaesthesia with a NIM-EMG-ETT. Patients will be randomly allocated into the iSLNB group or the control group according to randomized numbers generated by Excel. After induction, patients in the iSLNB group will undergo ultrasound-guided iSLNB with ropivacaine, and patients in the control group will undergo the same procedure with normal saline. The prevalence, severity, visual analogue scale score of POST, and postoperative acoustic analysis will be recorded.DiscussionTo the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to evaluate the effect of ultrasound-guided iSLNB with ropivacaine on the mitigation of POST induced by NIM-EMG-ETT. Our study will provide clinical answers to alleviate POST induced by NIM-EMG-ETT. The results of this study may provide a safe method to prevent POST caused by NIM-EMG-ETT.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2300076393. Registered on October 24, 2023, http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx.

Effect of Lidocaine on Ciprofol Dosage and Efficacy in Patients Who Underwent Gastroscopy Sedation.

BACKGROUND Intravenous ciprofol is a short-acting sedative with minimal respiratory and circulatory suppression and limited analgesia. Intravenous lidocaine provides analgesia during surgical procedures. This study included 70 patients who underwent gastroscopy with analgesia and aimed to evaluate the effects of intravenous lidocaine on the dose of ciprofol required to produce 50% of the maximal effect (ED50). MATERIAL AND METHODS Seventy patients scheduled for elective painless gastroscopy were randomly assigned into 2 groups: group L (n=35, received ciprofol and 1.5 mg/kg lidocaine) and group S (n=35, received ciprofol and normal saline). The primary outcomes measured were the ED50 and the 95% effective dose (ED95) of ciprofol, determined using the modified up-down sequential method and Probit analysis. Secondary outcomes included induction, operation, and recovery times; monitoring of vital signs such as mean arterial pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation; and evaluation of postoperative adverse reactions, including sore throat, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and satisfaction scores from endoscopists and anesthesiologists. RESULTS The ED50 of ciprofol in group L was 0.315 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.291-0.342 mg/kg), which was significantly lower than that in group S, 0.42 mg/kg (95% CI, 0.371-0.491 mg/kg). Additionally, group L exhibited shorter induction and recovery times, a lower incidence of postoperative sore throat, and a temporary drop in blood pressure following induction. CONCLUSIONS Intravenous lidocaine during painless gastroscopy reduces the required ciprofol dose, shortens induction and recovery times, and lowers the incidence of postoperative complications, such as sore throat. These findings support its effective role in improving sedation quality and patient outcomes during gastroscopy.

A visual laryngoscope combined with a fiberoptic bronchoscope improves intubation outcomes in patients with predicted difficult airways in thoracic surgery

ObjectiveTo study the clinical effectiveness of visual laryngoscopy combined with fiberoptic bronchoscopy-guided double-lumen endotracheal tube intubation in thoracic surgery patients with predicted difficult airways in thoracic surgery airways.MethodsWe randomly divided 162 patients with predicted difficult airways who required double-lumen tracheal intubation for thoracic surgery and randomly divided them into the video laryngoscopy group (Group VL, n = 54),fiberoptic bronchoscopy group (Group F, n = 54), and video laryngoscopy combined with fiberoptic bronchoscopy group (Group FVL, n = 54) according to the randomized number table method. Then, the success rate of the first intubation, the duration of intubation, the duration of positioning, the degree of exposure of the vocal cords (Cormack-Lehane grade), and the adverse reactions during intubation were recorded and analyzed.ResultsThe success rate of first-time intubation was significantly higher in the FVL group than in the F and VL groups (92.6% vs. 87.0% vs. 53.7%, P < 0.001), and the time of intubation in the FVL group was significantly shorter than that in the VL and F groups [(26.22 ± 9.34) s vs. (42.35 ± 11.21) s vs. (46.78 ± 21.96) s, P < 0.001)]. The positioning time in the FVL group was significantly shorter than that in the F and VL groups [(83.76 ± 15.18) s vs. (102.72 ± 21.89) s vs. (145.41 ± 20.12) s, F = 144.896, P < 0.001)].The number of patients with Cormack-Lehane grades I-II was significantly lower in the FVL group and the VL group than in the F group (88.9% vs. 77.8% vs. 59.3%, P < 0.05).The incidence of postoperative sore throat was significantly lower in the FVL group and the F group than in the VL group (22.4% vs. 27.6% vs. 50%, P < 0.001).ConclusionIn difficult airway patients with high airway risk indices who require double-lumen endotracheal intubation, visual laryngoscopy combined with fiberoptic bronchoscopy improved the success rate of first-time intubation and shortened the intubation and positioning time.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Register (identifier: ChiCTR2300076304; Date of registration: September 29, 2023).

Comparison of the effects of perioperative intravenous infusions of esmolol and lidocaine on the quality of postoperative recovery in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery: a randomized, double-blind, noninferiority study.

Perioperative intravenous lidocaine infusion can improve the quality of recovery (QoR) in patients undergoing functional endoscopic sinus surgery (FESS), but the effect of esmolol on recovery has been rarely studied. The aim of this study to compare the effects of esmolol and lidocaine on the QoR in patients with FESS. A total of 60 patients were randomly divided into Group E: intravenous esmolol (0.5mg/kg for 1min, followed by 3.0mg/kg/h); Group L: intravenous lidocaine (2.0mg/ kg for 10min, followed by 2mg/kg/h). The quality of recovery-15 (QoR-15) score was compared. Other parameters compared were the numeric rating pain scale (NRS), haemodynamic data, Surgical fieldconditions, intraoperative drug dosages, number of cases of remedial analgesia, time toawakening and incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST) as well aspostoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). The mean difference in the QoR-15 score between Group E and Group L on postoperative day 1 (POD1) was - 1.37 (95% CI - 2.75 to 0.01; P < 0.001for noninferiority), indicating the noninferiority of esmolol. Haemodynamic changes and intraoperative nitroglycerine dosages were significantly lower in Group E than in Group L (P < 0.05). The scores of surgical field quality (SSFQ) was higher in Group E than in Group L (P < 0.05). Intravenous infusion of esmolol is not inferior to lidocaine in the quality of postoperative recovery in patients with FESS, and is more advantageous in terms of the quality of the surgical field, attenuation of intraoperative haemodynamic fluctuations, and postoperative awakening.

Hydrogen regulated pyroptosis through NLRP3-GSDMD pathway to improve airway mucosal oxidative stress injury induced by endotracheal tube cuff compression.

The cuff of endotracheal tube (ETT) is an indispensable device for establishing an artificial airway, yet cuff-induced compression often causes damage to the airway mucosa. The mechanism of this damage involves mucosal compression ischemia and the oxidative stress injury following reperfusion. Currently, there is a lack of effective strategies to protect the mucosa. Hydrogen, as a natural antioxidant, has demonstrated significant potential in the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress injuries. This study aimed to determine the protective effects of hydrogen on compressed airway mucosa. We found that the damage to the airway mucosa caused by ETT cuff compression was associated with oxidative stress-induced pyroptosis of airway epithelial cells. Inhalation of hydrogen effectively reduced the levels of reactive oxygen species, significantly ameliorating changes in epithelial cell pyroptosis, and this protective effect is linked to the inhibition of the NLRP3-GSDMD pathway. Further cellular studies, involving knockdown and overexpression of NLRP3, clarified that hydrogen exerts its protective effects on the airway mucosa by inhibiting epithelial cell pyroptosis. Additionally, we observed that using hydrogen-rich saline to inflate the ETT cuff in patients under general anesthesia significantly reduced postoperative sore throat. This study confirms that hydrogen effectively enhances tolerance of airway mucosa to oxidative stress injuries, offering a potential preventive and therapeutic strategy for protecting the airway mucosa in patients undergoing endotracheal intubation.

Kaf İçi ve Dışına Lidokain Uygulamasının Ekstübasyon Sonrası Görülen Kardiyovasküler ve Solunum Sistemi Yanıtlarına Etkileri

Objective: In our investigation, we aimed to assess the efficacy of employing lidocaine spray application around endotracheal tube cuff (ETTC) prior to intubation, alongside and the use of intracuff lidocaine application following intubation. Our primary objective encompassed an examination of the resultant effects on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems leading up to the extubation phase. Methods: Two hundred patients scheduled for gynecologic operations, with an ASA physical status of I or II and aged between 18 and 65 years, undergoing general anesthesia lasting over one hour, were recruited for the study. Patients were allocated into four groups. Group I involved the inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff with air following intubation. In Group II, 10% lidocaine was sprayed around the ETTC prior to intubation. Group III entailed the inflation of the ETTC with 2% lidocaine after intubation. Lastly, Group IV received both the pre-intubation application of 10% lidocaine spray around the ETTC and the inflation of the cuff with 2% lidocaine following intubation. Cardiovascular parameters in the early post-extubation period and occurrences of postoperative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness up to 48 hours post-operation were documented for analysis. Results: Increases were observed at cardiovasvular system parameters after extubation in all groups continued for 5 or 15 minutes. Postoperative data for sore throat, cough and hoarseness were smilar in all groups. Conclusion: The study revealed that the administration of 10% lidocaine spray around the ETTC, as well as the use of 2% lidocaine within the cuff alone or in combination, did not result in a reduction of cardiovascular system responses during the early post-extubation period. However, these interventions did lead to a decrease in postoperative respiratory system side effects, albeit not providing complete prevention of such occurrences. Keywords: Lidocaine, endotracheal tube cuff, extubation, hemodynamic, pulmonary

Effects of Nebulization With Ketamine and Budesonide on Postoperative Sore Throat in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgeries Under General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Clinical Study

Effects of Nebulization With Ketamine and Budesonide on Postoperative Sore Throat in Patients Undergoing Elective Surgeries Under General Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Comparative Clinical Study

Study on the Correction Between Postoperative Sore Throat and Intraoperative Hypothermia in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia

Study on the Correction Between Postoperative Sore Throat and Intraoperative Hypothermia in Patients Undergoing General Anesthesia

A Study on The Correlation Between Postoperative Sore Throat and Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Under General Anesthesia

A Study on The Correlation Between Postoperative Sore Throat and Preoperative Anxiety in Patients Under General Anesthesia

A Comparative Study of Cuff Pressure and Its Pressure Effects on the Incidence of Postoperative Cough, Sore Throat and Hoarseness between Air and Alkalinized Lignocaine for Inflating Endotracheal Tube Cuff in Non-Cardiac Surgeries Under General Anaesthesia

A Comparative Study of Cuff Pressure and Its Pressure Effects on the Incidence of Postoperative Cough, Sore Throat and Hoarseness between Air and Alkalinized Lignocaine for Inflating Endotracheal Tube Cuff in Non-Cardiac Surgeries Under General Anaesthesia

Comparison Of Prophylactic Effects Of Gargling Different Doses Of Ketamine On Attenuating PostOperative Sore Throat.

Aims and objectives: The aim of the study is to evaluate effectiveness of two doses of ketamine gargle in preventing post-operative sore throat (POST). Materials &amp; Method: Sixty-nine patients scheduled for elective surgery under general anaesthesia were randomized into three groups: Group C, saline 30 ml; Group A, ketamine 100 mg in Saline 30 ml and Group, ketamine 120 mg in saline 30ml. Patients were asked to gargle this mixture for 30 seconds, 5 minutes before induction of anaesthesia. POST was graded at 4, 8 and 24 hours after operation on a four-point scale (0-3). The primary outcome of incidence and grading of POST along with secondary outcomes of drug-related adverse effects were observed and recorded. Results: In the Control group POST occurred more frequently, when compared with patients belonging to both the Ketamine groups at 4, 8, and 24 hours (74%, 70%, and 52%). The greatest difference in the severity of POST was observed at the 4-hour and 8-hour intervals in both the 100 mg and 120 mg ketamine groups. However, these groups exhibited similar outcomes at the 24-hour mark (p&lt;0.05). Conclusion: Prophylactic intravenous Glycopyrrolate in spinal anesthesia for cesarean section reduces the incidence and severity of hypotension and the need for Vasopressor.

EVALUATION OF POSTOPERATIVE AIRWAY RELATED ADVERSE EFFECTS BY USING INTRACUFF DEXAMETHASONE VERSUS INTRACUFF ALKALINISED LIGNOCAINE - RANDOMISED DOUBLE BLIND CONTROLLED STUDY

Background Securing airway with ETT is the gold standard for General anesthesia(GA).This method confers the protection of airway from aspiration of gastric contents and facilitates positive pressure ventilation. However, post-intubation airway-related adverse effects are known to be caused by endotracheal intubation like postoperative coughing on the tube, restlessness, hoarseness and sore throat. Therefore this study was undertaken to reduce post intubation complications. ObjectiveThestudy was conducted to compare intracuff dexamethasone and intracuff alkalinised lignocaine with respect to postoperative cough, hoarseness and sore throat scores. Methods A randomized double blind study was conducted in 200 patients of ASA I,II,III and age between 18 to 60 yrs undergoing surgeries under GA for more than 2 hours, Patients who need nasogastric tube or throat pack were excluded from study. A computer generated randomisation with double blind technique was used to distribute them into Group L and Group D 100 each. In Group L, ETT cuff was inflated with 2ml of 2% lignocaine +2-3ml of 7.5% Sodium bicarbonate and in Group D cuff was inflated with 2ml of dexamethasone + 2-3ml of Normal saline. Intracuff pressure was monitored throughout the surgery and was maintained below 28 cm H2O. ResultsThe severity of cough and hoarseness was found higher in group D at 2 hours which was statistically significant (P&lt; 0.05). However, there was no significant difference at 8hrs,16hrs and 24hrs in both the groups. Conclusion We conclude that post operative airway related adverse effects are less when cuff was inflated with alkalinized lignocaine as compared to dexamethasone as liquid media.

Is intranasal dexamethasone effective in reducing sore throat following surgery?

ABSTRACT Objectives: Postextubation, individuals may experience the discomfort of a sore throat. Our main aim of the study was to investigate if intranasal dexamethasone is successful in reducing postoperative sore throat occurrence. Materials and Methods: The study involved 96 adult individuals who were scheduled for elective eye surgery at Faiz Medical Center, which is affiliated with Isfahan University, between July 2020 and March 2021. The individuals were assigned by chance to two cohorts of 48 people each, with one cohort getting dexamethasone (IND) through the nose and the other cohort getting normal saline (INS) through the nose right after the endotracheal tube insertion. The presence of symptoms such as aching throat, cough, and hoarseness after surgery was recorded and examined with version 23 of the SPSS software. Results: Upon analysis, it was observed that there were no statistically significant alterations in demographic attributes, tracheal intubation variables, duration of surgery, and postoperative outcomes (P &lt; 0.05). Within the IND cohort, a notable 80.2% decrease in the occurrence of sore throat was noted immediately following the surgical procedure, along with a 34% reduction within the initial 6 hours of hospital stay (P &lt; 0.001). Moreover, dexamethasone also decreased the occurrence of cough and hoarseness by 31.7% and 38.2% during recovery, as well as 19% and 25.4% within the initial 2 h upon admission to the ward (P &lt; 0.001). Conclusion: The current study showcased the preventive impact of dexamethasone intranasally in decreasing the occurrence of sore throat in the early stages of postoperative period. Nevertheless, its efficacy diminished after 6 h. Furthermore, the intranasal application of dexamethasone exhibited the ability to alleviate hoarseness and cough within the first 2 h following surgical intervention.

The Effect of Controlled Hypotensive Anesthesia on Postoperative Sore Throat

Aim: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a commonly encountered and significant complication following anesthesia, which can adversely affect the quality of a patient's recovery. Many factors contribute to the development of POST. Controlled hypotension (CH) is a surgical technique used to reduce blood flow, improve visibility, and shorten procedure time by safely lowering blood pressure. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of CH on POST, coughing, hoarseness, and vomiting in patients undergoing surgery in a supine position with a fixed endotracheal cuff pressure. Material and Method: A total of 124 patients, aged between 18 and 65 years, classified as American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class I-II and scheduled for elective surgical procedures, were included in the study. The patients were divided into two groups: Group N (n=65), consisting of normotensive individuals, and Group H (n=59), which included patients subjected to CH. In both groups, the endotracheal cuff pressure was manually set to 25 cmH2O using a cuff pressure manometer. CH was achieved in Group H by administering glyceryl trinitrate (nitroglycerin) infusion, maintaining the mean arterial pressure (MAP) within the range of 55-65 mmHg. Patients were assessed for POST, coughing, hoarseness, and vomiting at postoperative 15 minutes, 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours. Results: Demographic data, smoking status, ASA scores, surgical and anesthesia durations were similar between the groups. Statistically significant differences were observed between the groups in the numeric rate scores (NRS) for throat pain at 15 minutes and 2 hours, as well as hoarseness scores at 2 and 6 hours. The groups were similar regarding vomiting rates and cough scores. Conclusion: In this study investigating the impact of CH on sore throat, we observed an increased incidence of POST and hoarseness in patients subjected to CH.

Effect of the intraoperative head hypsokinesis on sore throat after thyroid surgery: a randomized controlled trial.

Postoperative sore throat (POST) after thyroidectomy is a major concern.A roll is typically inserted under the shoulder to achieve head hypsokinesis and neck extension to better expose the surgical site during thyroid surgery. However, POST and impaired voice function have been attributed to neck overextension. This study aimed to explore the rational angle of head hypsokinesis that both reduced sore throat intensity and protects voice function after thyroid surgery. A total of 210 patients who underwent thyroidectomy were enrolled and randomized into high-tilt (Group H) and low-tilt angle groups (Group L). The primary outcome was the incidence of POST 6 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes included the severity of postoperative pharyngeal pain, voice function, swallowing pain, and coughing. The incidence of POST 6 h after thyroidectomy was significantly lower in Group L than that in Group H. In addition, the intensity of postoperative sore throat and swallowing pain was more severe in Group H. A lower degree of head hypsokinesis in Group L prevented transient postoperative voice injury. A lower degree of head hypsokinesis effectively mitigated sore throat severity after thyroidectomy and improved postoperative voice function. The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on 21 June 2022 (ChiCTR2200061329). The trial is registered at https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=166254 .

Effect of steroid-soaked throat pack on postoperative throat complications following major oral and maxillofacial surgery

Background: Postoperative throat complications (POTCs) are common and distressing to patients; consensus on their optimum treatment is unclear. Aim: The aim of the study was to determine the efficacy of a steroid-soaked throat pack on POTCs following oral and maxillofacial surgery. Materials and Methods: This was a randomized, triple-blinded, controlled clinical study design on all consecutive patients who had endotracheal intubation and pharyngeal throat packs following major oral and maxillofacial surgery. They were randomized into experimental (steroid) and control (normal saline) groups. The experimental group had their throat packs soaked with 10 ml aqueous solution of 100 mg hydrocortisone, while the control group had their throat pack soaked with 10 ml of 0.9% normal saline. The data were clinicodemographic, type of throat pack, postoperative sore throat, dysphagia, hoarseness, and cough. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were performed. P values &lt; 0.05 were considered significant. Results: A total of 48 patients comprising 24 in each group participated fully in the study. The mean age and the age range of the participants were 37.3 ± 15.6 years and 18–65 years, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the demographic and surgical characteristics studied (P &gt; 0.05). There was a significantly higher prevalence of postoperative sore throat and dysphagia among the normal saline group compared to the steroid group (P &lt; 0.05). There was no significant difference in the prevalence of postoperative cough and hoarseness between the steroid and normal saline groups (P &gt; 0.05). Conclusion: The use of a steroid-soaked throat pack was found to be more efficacious in the reduction of the prevalence of postoperative sore throat and dysphagia but did not affect the prevalence of postoperative cough and hoarseness among patients that had major oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures.

Effect of different patient positions on endotracheal tube cuff pressure in patients undergoing urological procedures: a prospective study.

The endotracheal tube (ETT) contains a cuff that is placed in the trachea to prevent gas leakage and aspiration of secretions and gastric contents. However, patient positioning after intubation may cause ETT displacement and changes in cuff pressure. Evaluate the effect of different patient positions on ETT cuff pressure in patients undergoing urological procedures in supine, prone, lateral flank, and lithotomy positions. Prospective and observational study. A university hospital in Turkey. Patients who underwent surgeries under general anesthesia in different patient positions were involved. After intubation (T0), the cuff pressure was checked with a manometer and adjusted to 25 cmH2O and continuously monitored. The cuff pressure was checked before (T1) and after achieving the final position (T2) and then at 5, (T3), 10, (T4), 15 minutes (T5) of the position, at the end of the procedure (T6) and before extubation (T7). At postoperative 2nd and 12th hours, the patients were interviewed for sore throat, hoarseness, and cough. The effect of different patient positions on the ETT cuff pressure. 200 patients. The cuff pressure increased significantly at T2 in the lithotomy, lateral flank, and prone groups (P<.001 each). The highest increase in cuff pressure occurred in the prone group (34.3 [7.5] cmH2O). Over time, the cuff pressure decreased in all groups during surgery. Postoperative complications at the 2nd postoperative hour were similar in all groups; however, the mean cuff pressure was significantly higher in the patients with postoperative sore throat or cough (sore throat: P=.003; cough: P=.047). ETT cuff pressures are affected by different patient positioning; therefore, regular recording and adjustment of cuff pressure are necessary for patient safety. We used ETT of a single manufacturer. Therefore, our findings may not be applicable to other types of ETT.

Effect of Cold Vapor Application on Postoperative Sore Throat, Dry Throat, and Difficulty Swallowing: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Background: Postoperative sore throat, dry throat, and difficulty swallowing are frequently reported complications following general anesthesia, imposing discomfort and challenges to patients during their recovery. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of cold vapor application for 15 minutes at 0, 2, and 6 hours after extubation on sore throat, dry throat, and difficulty swallowing. Methods: This was a randomized controlled experimental study. The research was carried out with 64 patients who underwent cholecystectomy in the operating room and general surgery clinic of a state hospital between December 2016 and August 2017. Research data were collected using the American Society of Anesthesiologists classification, Mallampati scoring, patient identification form, intraoperative patient evaluation form, Ramsey Sedation Scale, Numerical Rating Scale, dry throat and difficulty swallowing evaluation form, and cuff pressure gauge. Results: It was found that cold vapor application at the 0th, 2nd, and 6th hours postoperatively had no effect on sore throat and swallowing difficulty. Mean dry throat scores of the patients in the intervention group at the second and sixth hours were significantly lower than those in the control group. At the 24th hour, there was no statistically significant difference between the mean scores of sore throat, swallowing difficulty, and dry throat in the intervention and control groups. Conclusion: According to the results of this study, it was found that cold vapor application in the early postoperative period had no effect on sore throat and swallowing difficulty but reduced throat dryness at the second and sixth hours. Implications for Nursing: In the early postoperative period, cold vapor can be applied to relieve hoarseness due to extubation.