Journal of Clinical Anaesthesiology: Open Access

Aims of the Study: Postoperative Sore Throat (POST), a frequent adverse event after general anesthesia represents a broad spectrum of signs and symptoms. It may vary from laryngitis, pharyngitis, tracheitis, hoarseness, cough, or dysphagia. It may adversely affect the post-operative satisfaction score and activities of the patients after leaving hospital. Aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of inhaled dexamethasone with inhaled budesonide in preventing POST in patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgeries in prone position.

Patients and Methods: A total of 120 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II of both sexes, aged 18-65 years were included in this study. Patients were randomly assigned into one of the two groups of 60 patients each: Group B was nebulized with 500 mcg of budesonide while group D was nebulized with 8 mg of dexamethasone before general anesthesia and endotracheal intubation. The intensity of sore throat on arrival to the post-anesthesia care unit was assessed at 5 mins, 30 mins, 1 hour, 2 hours, 24 hours postoperatively.

Results: Incidence and severity of POST were reduced in both the groups. However, patients of Group D demonstrated a statistically significant decline in incidence of sore throat when compared to group B.

Conclusion: Single prophylactic pre-induction nebulization of patients undergoing elective lumbar spine surgery in a prone position with dexamethasone is better than budesonide in preventing POST.