Intravenous Dexamethasone Vs. Ketamine Gargle Vs. Intravenous Dexamethasone Combined With Ketamine Gargle for Evaluation of Post-Operative Sore Throat and Hoarseness: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial



Safavi SM¹ ; Honarm A¹ ; Fariborzifar A² ; Barvarz S³ ; Soleimani M⁴ Show Affiliations
Source: Journal of Isfahan Medical School Published:2013

Abstract

Background: Sore throat and hoarseness are the most frequent subjective complaints after tracheal intubation for general anesthesia. We conducted a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled study to evaluate the efficacy of intravenous dexamethasone plus ketamine gargle for reducing the incidence and severity of post-operative sore throat (POST) and hoarseness. Methods: 140 patients (aged 16-65 years) scheduled for elective surgery were enrolled. Patients were randomly allocated into four groups of 35 subjects: group K gargled 40 mg ketamine in 30 ml saline; group D were infused 0.2 mg/kg intravenous (IV) dexamethasone; group KD gargled 40 mg ketamine in 30 ml saline plus 0.2 mg/kg intravenous dexamethasone; and group P (placebo) received saline (gargle and IV). POST was graded at 0, 2, 4, 8, 16 and 24 hours after operation on a four-point scale (0-3). Findings: The incidence and severity of POST were significantly lower in group KD, compared with the other groups at all times after tracheal extubation for up to 24 hours (P < 0.05). Also, the incidence and severity of hoarseness were significantly lower in groups of KD, K and D compared with group P (P < 0.05). Conclusion: The prophylactic use of 0.2 mg/kg of intravenous dexamethasone plus ketamine gargle significantly reduced the incidence and severity of POST compared with using each of these drugs alone or using placebo.