ABSTRACT
Introduction: The sore throat and hoarseness are common complications during the postoperative period. We investigated differences of incidence and severity of sore throat and hoarseness according to methods of airway security. METHODS: One hundred twelve patients, in ASA physical status class 1~2, were included in this study (58 males and 54 females). They were divided into three groups: group 1 (n=42), intubated with endotracheal tube lubricated with normal saline; group 2 (n=40), intubated with endotracheal tube lubricated with 5% lidocaine ointment; group 3 (n=30), inserted with laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for airway security. RESULTS: The incidence of sore throat and hoarseness were 78.6% and 54.8% in group 1, 35% and 30% in group 2, and 33.3% and 20.0% in group 3. CONCLUSIONS: Both 5% lidocaine-lubricated endotracheal tube and laryngeal mask airway showed tendency of decreased incidence of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness but there are no statistical significance.