The effect of lidocaine jelly on a taper-shaped cuff of an endotracheal tube on the postoperative sore throat: a prospective randomized study A CONSORT compliant article

Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) following general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation is a common complication. We hypothesized that lidocaine jelly applied to the tapered cuff of the endotracheal tube (ETT) might decrease the incidence of POST most commonly arising from endotracheal intubation. Methods: A total of 208 patients under general anesthesia were randomly assigned into 1 of 2 groups. In the lidocaine group (n= 104), the distal part of ETTs with tapered-shaped cuff was lubricated with lidocaine jelly. In the control group (n= 104), the distal part of ETTs with tapered-shaped cuff was lubricated with normal saline. The incidence of POST, hoarseness, and cough in the postanesthesia patients was compared. Results: The overall incidence of POST was higher in the lidocaine group than in the normal saline group [60 (58%) vs 40 (39%), P=. 006]. The incidence of POST at 1hour postoperatively was higher in the lidocaine group than in the normal saline group [53 (51%) vs 32 (31%), P=. 003]. The overall incidence of hoarseness for 24hours postoperatively was comparable (P=. 487). The overall incidence of cough for 24hours postoperatively is higher in the lidocaine group (P=. 045). Conclusion: The lidocaine jelly applied at the distal part of ETT with tapered-shaped cuff increased the overall incidence of POST in patients undergoing general anesthesia.