European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Context: Intubation through LMA CTrach™ involves manipulations with the LMA and tracheal tube.
Thus there is a possibility of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness of voice as with any other methods
of tracheal intubation.
Aims: To compare the incidence of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness of voice with water based
lubricant when betamethasone gel is used for lubrication during intubation.
Settings and Design: Prospective observational study commenced after approval from hospital ethics
committee and was conducted over a period of one year.
Methods and Material: Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were grouped into 2 groups depending
on whether betamethasone gel 0.05% was used as a lubricant (Group Betamethasone) or water soluble
lubricant was used for lubrication (Group Water based lubricant) during intubation with LMA CTrach™.
Patients were assessed for sore throat and hoarseness of voice after 24 hours of surgery.
Statistical analysis: Parametric data were analysed using independent samples t-test. Nonparametric
data were analysed using chi-square test or Fisher’s exact test. P value less than 0.05 was considered
significant.
Results: The incidence of postoperative sore throat in Group Betamethasone and Group Water based
lubricant was 26.82% and 26.82% respectively. Similarly the incidence of hoarseness of voice was
14.63% and 21.95% respectively.
Conclusion: We conclude that betamethasone gel does not reduce the incidence of postoperative sore
throat and hoarseness of voice compared to water based lubricant for intubation with PVC tracheal tube
through LMA CTrach™.