AbstractBackground: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common occurrence following endotracheal intubation in general anaesthesia Pharmacological agents like local anaesthestics, corticosteroids, ketamine, magnesium sulphate(MgSO4) are tried for attenuating POST. In this study, we compared efficacy of magnesium sulphate with lignocaine gargle on attenuating incidence and severity of POST.
Methods: In this randomized double blind controlled study, total 60 adult patients were randomly allocated to two equal groups, Group M (n~30) and group L(n~30). In group M patients received Magnesium sulphate 20mg/kg, dissolved in 20 ml of 5% dextrose solution. In group L patients received 20ml of 2% lignocaine viscous solution. Patients were allowed to gargle slowly for 30 s, 15 min before induction of anesthesia with the solution as per allotment of the group. In post operative period patients were assessed for POST in a four-point scale (0- 3) at 0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hrs.). Heart rates (HR), SpO2, mean arterial pressure (MAP), were recorded.
Results: Incidence of POST in group M recorded lower than group L, and they are 26% vs. 56%, 16% vs. 46%, 10% vs. 40%, 6.6% vs. 33% 3% vs. 20% at 0,1,2,4,8 hrs respectively. Severity of POST was lower in Group M compared to Group L at 0,1,2,4 and 8 hrs. Hemodynamic variables were comparable and statistically insignificant.
Conclusion: We suggest the use of MgSO4 gargle before induction of GA as an effective measure to decrease the incidence & severity of POST compared to lignocaine gargle.