Post-thyroidectomy sore throat: a common problem

ABSTRACT

To determine the frequency of postoperative sore throat after thyroidectomy under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation. This study was carried out at two private hospitals including a teaching University hospital i.e. Isra University Hospital, Hyderabad over a period of three years from April 2005 to March 2008. All patients who underwent different types of thyroid surgeries during above mentioned period were included in this study. All relevant data especially age, sex, weight, American Society of Anesthesiologist's [ASA] physical status of patient, type and duration of Surgery, operative duration, number of intubation attempts and size of cuffed endotracheal tube [ETT] used were recorded on a standard form. The patients were asked direct questions on first post operative day regarding sore throat. Post operative sore throat was observed in 112 [80%] patients. The ETT having diameter of 7.5 mm or more, extensiveness of thyroidectomy, age of more than 35 years and operative duration of more than one hour were the statistically significant factors contributing in the occurrence of post thyroidectomy sore throat. There was no statistically significant impact of gender and number of intubation attempts on the occurrence of post thyroidectomy sore throat. Postoperative sore throat is a common complication after thyroid surgery. Larger size of ETT, more extensive surgery, increased age and prolong operation are the main contributing factors for the occurrence of post operative sore throat