2022, Vol. 5, Issue 2, Part A

Postoperative sore throat (POST) is unavoidable outcome of endotracheal intubation, occurs in 21-65% of the patients. There are some pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods for prevention of POST. Nebulization is better as small volume of drug required for effect, easy way of administration, better patient compliance and most importantly no risk of aspiration as seen with gargle.

Method: 100 patients of ASA grading I and II, aged between 20-60 years undergoing general anaesthesia on elective basis were randomly divided in two groups. 50 patients received pre-operative nebulization with 1.0ml ketamine (50mg) with 4.0ml normal saline while others received nebulization with 5ml normal saline for 15 min. General anesthesia was given. The POST and hemodynamic monitoring were done pre-nebulization, pre-induction, on reaching post-anaesthesia care unit and till 24 h post-operatively.

Results: Incidence of POST was reduced with ketamine nebulization. The primary outcome was incidence of POST significantly reduced in group K till 24 h post operatively.

Conclusion: Preoperative ketamine nebulization is simple, safe and effectively reduced the incidence and severity of POST, with no adverse effects.