ROLE OF DEXAMETHASONE IN REDUCING POSTEXTUBATION SORE THROAT, HOARSENESS OF VOICE AND COUGH AFTER GENERAL ANAESTHESIA

Abstract

Background-Postoperative sore throat, hoarseness and cough are common minor complications after extubation .We conducted a randomized, double blinded, placebo controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous(i.v) dexamethasone for reducing the incidence and severity of post operative sore throat, hoarseness and cough.

Aims-Our aim was to determine the effect of prophylactic administration of two doses (0.1 mg/ kg and 0.2 mg/. kg) of intravenous dexamethasone in reducing postoperative sore throat, hoarseness and cough in comparison with placebo.

Method-Study included 180 patients (n= 60) of ASA 1 & 2 underwent routine general surgical procedures. Before induction of general anesthesia, dexamethasone 0.1mg/kg (Group D1), 0.2mg/kg (Group D2), or 2ml normal saline (NS) placebo (Group P) were given IV. The patients were evaluated at 1 h, 6h and 24 h after tracheal extubation for sore throat, hoarseness and cough using a 4-point scale.

Result- We found that at 1 hr and at 6 hr after tracheal extubation, the incidence of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness, along with the severity of sore throat were lower in Group D2 and D1 compared with Group P (P less than 0.05) and at 24 hours after tracheal extubation, the incidence of these variables were comparable. There was no complication associated with the single dose of  prophylactic administration of dexamethasone.

Conclusion- Although both 0.1 mg/kg and 0.2mg/kg dexamethasone effectively reduced the incidence and severity of sore throat, hoarseness and coughing at 1 hr and 6 hr after tracheal extubation compared with placebo but the dose of 0.2 mg/kg was more effective.