Efficacy of benzydamine hydrochloride dripping at endotracheal tube cuff for prevention of postoperative sore throat.

BACKGROUND: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a frequent consequence following ETT intubation, which may negatively affect the postoperative course and patient satisfaction. Benzydamine hydrochloride is a topically-applied non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). The authors evaluated the analgesic effect of benzydamine hydrochloride dripping on the ETT cuff on POST.

MATERIAL AND METHOD: Eighty-six patients participated in this randomized controlled trial. They were assigned into either the benzydamine hydrochloride or the control group. The whole ETT cuff was dripped either with 3 ml (4.5 mg) of benzydamine hydrochloride or nothing five minutes prior to anesthesia induction. The incidence and severity of POST at 0, 2, 4, 6, 12 and 24 hours postoperatively were assessed. The potential adverse effects of benzydamine hydrochloride (throat numbness throat burning sensation, dry mouth, and thirst) were also evaluated.

RESULTS: Twenty-five patients (58.14%) in each group had POST (p-value = 1). The severity of POST (calculated from affected patients) in both groups at different time points was not significantly different. Patients in the benzydamine hydrochloride group did not have a higher incidence of adverse effects.

CONCLUSION: We found that dripping benzydamine hydrochloride on the ETT cuff neither reduced the incidence of POST nor increased the incidence of adverse effects in comparison with no intervention.