2020, Vol. 3, Issue 4, Part A

Aim: To assess the efficacy of magnesium sulphate nebuliser in reducing the incidence of post-operative sore throat.

Methodology: A total of 100 patients with ASA grade 1 & 2 in the age group of 18-60 years of either sex posted for elective surgeries lasting for the duration of 2hrs or more and requiring tracheal intubation were taken as our study subjects. The Patients in group A (n=50) were nebulised with 3ml of normal saline for 15 minutes, 5 minutes before induction of anaesthesia and similarly patients in group B (n=50) were nebulised with 3ml of solution containing 50 mg/mL of magnesium sulphate. Presence of sore throat was assessed at rest and at swallowing on immediate extubation, and at 2, 4 hours and 24 hours post extubation. In the postoperative ward, patients were also monitored for any drug related side effects.

Results: The incidence of POST was measured at 0hr, 2 hr, 4 hrs and at the end of 24 hrs post-operatively both at rest and at swallowing. It was found that the incidence of sore throat at rest among the normal saline group during was 80%, 80%, 70% and 66% during the above said period and among the magnesium sulphate group it was 44%, 30%, 8% and 0%. Similarly the incidence of sore throat during swallowing was found to be 88%, 84%, 76% and 70% in the normal saline group and in the magnesium sulphate group it was 50%, 32%, 10% and 0% and a statistical significant difference was observed in the incidence of POST between the two groups. The incidence was found to be significantly lesser in the MgSo₄ group when compared to the normal saline group.

Conclusion: The use of magnesium sulfate in the form of nebulization as a pre-medication agent significantly reduces the incidence of POST compared to normal saline.