Comparison between the efficacy of saline, alkalinised lignocaine 2% and alkalinised lignocaine 4% in the cuff of endotracheal tube to reduce the incidence of cough and sorethroat during extubation

To compare the efficacy of saline, lignocaine 2% and Lignocaine 4% in the endotracheal tube cuff to decrease the incidence of post operative cough and sore throat. A unique, efficient and easy method designed to decrease cough and sore throat during emergence. Hence there was a need for the study. Methods: After approval from institutional Ethical Committee, Kasturba Medical college, Mangaluru and written informed consent from 120 patients of A.S.A class I & II, aged between 18-60 years posted for various surgeries were included. Randomization was done into three groups of 40 patients each. Group 1 - Normal saline, group 2 - 2% Lignocaine and group 3 - 4% Lignocaine. Postoperatively patients were assessed for incidence of cough and sore throat pain based on visual analogue scale (VAS) Results: 65% of patients in group 2 and 72% of patients in group 3 were extubated smoothly, whereas only 20% of patients in group 1 had smooth extubation, p<0.001. There was significant difference in sore throat pain and cough in group 2 and 3 when compared to group 1. Conclusion: The incidence of sore throat and cough was significantly reduced with Lignocaine in the endotracheal tube cuff when compared to saline. Lignocaine 4% was found to be far more better than 2% in reducing sore throat.