Effects of Ketamine Gargle for Postoperative
Sore Throat, Hoarseness of Voice and
Cough Under General AnaesthesiaA Randomised Control Study
UC05-UC08
Correspondence
Tejash H Sharma,
B-15, Shyam Residency, Opp. Anjali Park Society, Nr. Fire Station, Ganesh Chowk Di,
Indu Chacha Lane, Tp 13, Chhani Jakat Naka, Vadodara-390024, Gujarat, India.
E-mail: drtejash@gmail.com
Introduction: Majority of the patient undergo endotracheal intubation for various time duration, when given general anaesthesia. Injury in airway mucosa or vocal cords due to endotracheal intubation can be a contributing factor. Ketamine without affecting local healing process has an anti-proinflammatory effect as it limits exacerbation of systemic inflammation.
Aim: To study the role of ketamine gargles as a pharmacological measure in order to attenuate Postoperative Sore Throat (POST), Hoarseness of Voice (HOV) and cough followed by endotracheal intubation during surgeries under general anaesthesia.
Materials and Methods: A randomised controlled study was carried out for a duration of 22 months on 50 patients of American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade I and II. They were allocated into two groups of 25 patients. Group (K): ketamine 50 mg in 29 mL 0.9% normal saline and Group (C): 30 mL 0.9% normal saline. Patients were advised to gargle for 30 seconds just 5 minutes prior to induction of anaesthesia. Patients were intubated with appropriate size of the endotracheal tube and were extubated when fully awake and conscious. Patients were shifted to postoperative ward and were kept in propped up position with oxygen. Patients were assessed at 1,2,4,24 hours for incidence of POST, HOV and cough. Assessment was made as per the four point scale grading system. The statistical analysis was performed using unpaired t-test, p<0.05 considered statistically significant.
Results: In terms of POST grading in both K and C groups p-value was statistically significant (p<0.05) at 1 and at 2 hours postoperatively. In terms of HOV, in group K voice quality issues were reduced till 24 hours, (p<0.05). In terms of cough, in group K there was a significant reduction in complaints of cough till four hours postoperatively, (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Ketamine gargles is effective in attenuating POST and cough till 2 hours and HOV till 4 hours postoperatively in patients following endotracheal intubation.