1Secondary DNB student, Department of Anaesthesiology Central Hospital, NFR; Medical Officer E Intensivist, Department of Critical Care, Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute
2Senior Consultant and HOD, Department of Anaesthesiology Central Hospital, NFR
3Associate Professor, Department of Critical Care Dr. B. Borooah Cancer Institute
Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) and hoarseness of voice are frequent complications following endotracheal intubation during general anaesthesia. Although these complications are usually self-limiting, they contribute significantly to postoperative discomfort and reduced patient satisfaction. Various strategies have been proposed to reduce airway morbidity, including intracuff instillation of alkalinized lignocaine. The present study compares the effect of intracuff air versus alkalinized lignocaine on postoperative sore throat and hoarseness of voice.
Methods: A prospective randomized study was conducted in patients undergoing elective surgery under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation. Patients were divided into two groups. In Group A, the endotracheal tube cuff was inflated with air, whereas in Group L, the cuff was inflated with alkalinized lignocaine. The incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness of voice were evaluated at 6 and 24 hours postoperatively.
Results: The incidence of postoperative sore throat was lower in the alkalinized lignocaine group compared to the air group. Patients receiving intracuff alkalinized lignocaine also demonstrated reduced severity of symptoms and lower incidence of postoperative hoarseness of voice. Statistical analysis showed a significant difference between groups at 24 hours post extubation for post operative sore throat.
Conclusion: Intracuff alkalinized lignocaine is effective in reducing postoperative sore throat and hoarseness of voice compared with conventional air inflation of the endotracheal tube cuff.
Keywords: postoperative sore throat, alkalinized lignocaine, endotracheal tube cuff, hoarseness of voice, airway morbidity.
How to cite this article: Thakur M, Maheshwari P and Sonowal SJ, Effect of Intracuff Air versus Alkalinized Lignocaine on Postoperative Sore Throat and Hoarseness of Voice Following Endotracheal Intubation: A Prospective Comparative Study. Int J Drug Deliv Technol. 2026;16(12s): 470-475. DOI: 10.25258/ijddt.16.12s.58
Source of support: Nil.
Conflict of interest: None