The effect of combining lidocaine with dexamethasone for attenuating postoperative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Despite the established efficacy of dexamethasone and lidocaine for preventing postoperative airway symptoms, no study has investigated the effects of dexamethasone plus lidocaine for attenuating postoperative airway symptoms. The purpose of this study was to explore whether combined dexamethasone and lidocaine are superior to dexamethasone alone in reducing postoperative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness for 24 h after tracheal extubation. METHODS: In total, 70 female patients undergoing breast mass excision were randomized in a prospective, double-blinded manner into two groups Group DL received intravenous dexamethasone (8 mg) plus lidocaine (1.5 mg/kg) 5 min before induction of anesthesia, and lidocaine was injected once more at the end of surgery. Group D received dexamethasone (8 mg) plus normal saline instead of lidocaine in the same manner as Group DL. We assessed the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness 1 and 24 h after extubation. RESULTS: The incidence of sore throat for 24 h after tracheal extubation was significantly lower in Group DL than in Group D (62.9% vs. 85.7%, respectively; P = 0.029). The severity of sore throat and hoarseness for 24 h after extubation was lower in Group DL than in Group D (P < 0.05). The incidence and severity of cough did not differ between the two groups for 24 h after extubation. CONCLUSIONS: Lidocaine combined with dexamethasone is more effectively reduces the incidence and severity of sore throat and severity of hoarseness for 24 h after extubation in patients who have undergone breast mass excision surgery.