Dexamethasone to decrease post-anesthesia sore throat (POST) and hoarseness-which is the most effective route: intravenous, topical, or nebulization? A prospective randomized trial

Abstract Background and Aims Postoperative sore throat (POST) is common after endotracheal intubation making patients uncomfortable anxious in postoperative period. The present study was undertaken to compare efficacy of equal dose dexamethasone preventing POST via three different routes, i.e., intravenous, topical, nebulization before surgery. Methods Results prospective double-blind randomized parallel group trial included 190 either sex above 18 years, American Society Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I–II posted for laparoscopic cholecystectomy. were divided into groups. Patients N nebulized with 8 mg prior surgery, I received intravenous (8 mg) induction anesthesia, while C intubated tube which pretreated (cuff soaked mg). severity hoarseness voice determined by interviewing 24-h completion Incidence decreased all maximum decrease (18%), 30.8% 30.4% C. This not statistically significant when compared ( p 0.14) as well 0.15). significantly (15.6%) (40.3%) (39.1%). 0.005) 0.009). Conclusions Topical (group C) effective decreasing incidence POST, both the techniques are voice. Nebulization most method hoarseness. Trial Registration CTRI/2017/08/009524 dated 29 August 2017 prospectively.