Preoperative Aspirin and Benzydamine Hydrochloride Gargles on Severity and Duration of Post-Operative Sore Throat

Endotracheal intubation commonly causes postoperative sore throat (POST). Its incidence is 22 - 62% in the adult population whereas in children the incidence is 24 to 44%. In adult population peak incidence is 2 to 4 hours after tracheal extubation. There is a limited medical literature available about incidence and peak time of occurrence after tracheal extubation in children. Though relieved in due course of time, POST leads to postoperative dissatisfaction. Traumatic laryngoscopy and endotracheal tube residence are the most likely offenders individually or combined. Other risk factors include preexisting upper respiratory tract infection, multiple intubation attempts, intubating un-paralyzed patient, high ETT cuff pressure, prolonged anesthesia with ETT and inexperienced operator. The problem i.e. POST preemptive amelioration, has been studied using various pharmacological interventions. The list includes, but is not limited to, Benzydamine hydrochloride, aspirin, ketamine, lidocaine and dexamethasone. In a study conducted by Agarwal A, Nath SS, Goswami D et al on adult female patients employing preoperative Aspirin and Benzydamine hydrochloride gargling found it simple, safe and effective method in reducing incidence and severity of POST. Their patients were scheduled for mastectomy. However, a study conducted by Hyung-Been Yhim, Soo-Hyuk Yoon, Young-Eun Jang et al in pediatrics was unsuccessful to show reduction in POST when they used Benzydamine hydrochloride (BH) spray on vocal cords and upper airway before tracheal intubation. They asked for more research and suggested well-designed and powered RCT's in children. The current study will differ from previously conducted research and will include adult males of different ethnicity and type of surgery. Objectives: To compare the effect of Aspirin and Benzydamine hydrochloride (BH) gargles on incidence, severity and duration of POST.