ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To compare the effect of topical, intravenous, and intracuff lidocaine on reducing coughing during emergence from general anesthesia. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Patients with an ASA physical status of I or II were enrolled if they were over 18 years of age and scheduled for elective surgery lasting between 60 and 120 minutes under balanced anesthesia with orotracheal intubation. Enrolled patients were randomly assigned to one of 3 treatment groups (intravenous lidocaine, topical lidocaine, or intracuff lidocaine) or to the control group. Numerical variables were described as mean (SD) or median and interquartile range, depending on distribution. Categorical variables were described using frequencies (number) and percentages. Multiple-group comparisons were performed using analysis of variance, the Kruskal-Wallis test, or the chi2 test, as appropriate. A level of P < .05 was considered to be statistically significant. RESULTS: We enrolled 80 patients; data for 78 were entered into analysis. Thirteen patients (65%) presented coughing in the control group, 5 (263%) in the topical lidocaine group, 3 (15.8%) in the intracuff group, and 3 (16%) in the intravenous group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS: Intravenous lidocaine and intracuff lidocaine significantly reduce the incidence of coughing during emergence from anesthesia.