Comparative Evaluation of Preoperative Paracetamol and a Combination of Paracetamol with Nebulized or Intravenous Dexamethasone for Prevention of Postoperative Sore Throat
Sandeep Singh Rathore, Smita Prakash, Parul Mullick, Bhawna Garg- General Medicine
ABSTRACT
Background and Aims:
Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common complication following general anesthesia with tracheal intubation that increases patient morbidity. We evaluated the effect of preoperative administration of IV paracetamol and a combination of paracetamol with nebulized or IV dexamethasone on the incidence of POST (primary objective), hoarseness of voice and cough (secondary objectives) in adult patients.
Methods:
In a randomized, double-blind study in a tertiary care hospital, 150 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation were divided into three groups (n = 50): Group P received IV paracetamol 1 g infusion; Group I received IV dexamethasone 8 mg and IV paracetamol 1 g infusion; and Group N received nebulized dexamethasone 8 mg and IV Paracetamol 1 g infusion. The incidence and severity of POST, hoarseness and cough were assessed at various time-points for 24 hours after surgery.
Results:
The overall incidence of POST was 72%, 18%, and 24% in groups P, I, and N, respectively;
Conclusions:
Prophylactic administration of both nebulized and IV dexamethasone 8 mg in combination with IV paracetamol was effective in decreasing the incidence and severity of POST in adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy under general anesthesia with tracheal intubation.