Effects of Ketamine Gargle for Post-operative Sore Throat, Hoarseness of Voice and Cough Under General Anaesthesia- A Randomised Control Study

Abstract

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 antiproinflammatory effect as it limits exacerbation of systemic inflammation. Aim: To study the role of ketamine gargles as a pharmacological measure in order to attenuate POST, 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 from the institutional ethical committee (Study Approval No. SVIEC/ON/MEDI/ BNPG18/D19046), 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. Pateints were shifted to postoperative ward and were kept in propped up position with oxygen. Pateints were assessed at 1,2,4,24 hours for incidence of POST, HOV and cough. Assessment was made as per the 4 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 4 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.

Keywords

• adult population
• anti-inflammation
• mouth wash
• voice quality