Effect of intracuff dexamethasone on incidence and severity of post operative sore -Prospective randomized study.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Postoperative sore throat (POST) continues to be a common concern following endotracheal intubation. Objectives of the present study were to compare the effects of intracuff dexamethasone on the incidence and severity of POST, postoperative hoarseness of voice (POHV) and cough (POC). MATERIAL AND METHODS: This prospective, randomized, double blinded study was conducted in 60 patients undergoing short laparoscopic surgery lasting <2 h. Patients were randomly allocated into Group A and B. After intubation, endotracheal tube (ETT) cuffs were filled with saline in group A and with 0.1 mg/kg dexamethasone in group B. All patients received general anesthesia as per a standardized protocol. Incidence and severity of POST, POC, and POHV were assessed. RESULTS: As compared to group A, the number of patients who had sore throat was significantly low in group B at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h (P < 0.001). Though more number of patients in group A had postop cough at all time points and postop hoarseness of voice at 2,6, and 12 h, the difference was statistically significant only at 2 h and 6 h for both. Severity as well as the incidence of POST, POC, and POHV showed a downward trend in both groups with time. In group B, no patient had POST after 12 h, POC after 6 h, and none complained of POHV in the postoperative period. CONCLUSION: Intracuff dexamethasone 0.1 mg/kg significantly reduces incidence and severity of POST, POC, and POHV which occur following general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation in patients undergoing short pelvic laparoscopic procedures lasting <2 h.

Ease and Safety of Securing Airway by Railroading ProSeal Laryngeal Mask Airway over Bougie versus Traditional Digital Insertion Technique.

Background: ProSeal insertion is usually more time-consuming with lower first-attempt success. Aim of the Study: We aimed to compare the incidence of successful placement of ProSeal laryngeal mask airway (PLMA) in the first attempt by railroading it over soft gum-elastic bougie introduced into esophagus versus traditional digital insertion technique. Time taken and ease of securing airway, associated hemodynamic responses, and trauma were also assessed. Settings and Design: This was a prospective randomized study conducted in a tertiary care institute. Subjects and Methods: Forty patients were recruited into two groups. Following induction in Group P, PLMA was introduced using digital technique, whereas in Group B, a soft gum-elastic bougie was introduced into esophagus and then PLMA was railroaded over the bougie. Correct placement was confirmed with end-tidal carbon dioxide waveform. Statistical Tests Used: Fisher's exact test and independent samples t-test were used for statistical analysis. Results: Successful first-attempt insertion was significantly higher in Group B compared to Group P (100% vs. 70%). Percentage of easy insertion was also significantly higher in Group B (95% vs. 65%). Time taken to insert ProSeal was significantly shorter in Group B (30.8 ± 7.8 vs. 59.5 ± 44.6 s). No patient in Group B had blood-stained secretion versus 70% in Group P. Mean arterial pressures at and after ProSeal insertion were significantly higher in Group P. However, heart rate remained comparable in both the groups. Conclusion: Bougie-guided ProSeal insertions had significantly higher first-attempt insertion success rates and were significantly faster and less traumatic with blunted blood pressure response compared to traditional digital insertion technique.

Effect of C-MAC Video Laryngoscope-aided intubations Using D-Blade on Incidence and Severity of Postoperative Sore Throat.

BACKGROUND: Video laryngoscope-aided intubations require less force to align oral, pharyngeal, and laryngeal planes to visualize the glottis opening during intubation. AIM: The primary objective of the study was to assess the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat (POST) in patients who were intubated with C-MAC video laryngoscope using D-blade versus traditional Macintosh laryngoscope. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This prospective, randomized, open label study was conducted in a tertiary care institution. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: A total of 130 patients undergoing short elective laparoscopic surgeries lasting <2 h were recruited. All patients received general anesthesia as per a standardized protocol. Laryngoscopy was performed using traditional Macintosh laryngoscope in Group M and with Storz® C-MAC video laryngoscope using D-Blade in Group V. The endotracheal tube cuff pressure was maintained at 20-22 cm of H2O intraoperatively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Pearson's Chi-square test, Fisher's exact test, and Independent sample t-test were used in this study. RESULTS: As compared to Group M, number of patients who had POST, hoarseness of voice, and cough was significantly low in Group V at 2, 6, 12, and 24 h. Severity, as well as the incidence of all these symptoms, showed a downward trend in both groups with time. Significantly more number of patients in Group M required rescue therapy for POST (44.6% as compared to 7.7%, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: C-MAC video laryngoscope-aided intubations using D-blade significantly reduced the incidence and severity of POST, hoarseness of voice, and cough following orotracheal intubation as compared to use of traditional Macintosh laryngoscope.