The Effect of Local Anesthetic Techniques on Hemodynamic Response and Postoperative Sore Throat in Double-Lumen Tubes

This clinical trial is designed to evaluate the effects of two local anesthetic techniques on postoperative sore throat (POST) incidence and hemodynamic responses in patients undergoing elective thoracic surgery with double-lumen tube (DLT) intubation. POST is a common and undesirable outcome following general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, particularly with DLTs due to their size and dual cuffs, which can increase mucosal irritation. Addressing POST effectively could significantly improve patient comfort, satisfaction, and overall quality of postoperative care. \*\*Study Protocol Overview:\*\* Patients meeting eligibility criteria (aged over 18, ASA I-III) will be recruited from Health Sciences University Kartal City Hospital and randomly assigned to one of three groups: 1. Group T (Inhaled Lidocaine): Participants will receive 2 ml of 10% lidocaine inhaled via a Tracheo-Spray device before anesthesia induction. This method is expected to coat the mucosal surfaces of the airway, potentially reducing friction and inflammation. 2. Group X (Lidocaine Applied to Tube): Participants will have 10% lidocaine sprayed directly on the distal surface and cuffs of the DLT. This technique aims to provide direct anesthetic coverage on the tube surface, potentially reducing mucosal damage from intubation. 3. Group C (Control): Participants will receive 1 ml of 0.9% saline spray as a placebo. Data Collection: The primary outcome measure will be the severity of POST, assessed at 2, 6, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively using a throat pain score (0 to 5 scale). Secondary measures will include hemodynamic parameters (heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures) documented before and after lidocaine application, as well as the incidence of postoperative complications such as hypotension, hypoxemia, hypercapnia, nausea, vomiting, and emergence agitation. Trained investigators will collect data in the operating room, recovery room, and patient wards. Statistical Analysis: Data will be analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test will assess the normality of data distribution. One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni or Tamhane post-hoc tests will be used for normally distributed variables. For non-parametric variables, the Kruskal-Wallis test and Mann-Whitney U test will be applied. Pearson's chi-square or Fisher's exact test will be used to evaluate qualitative variables, with significance set at p \< 0.05. By comparing different application methods, this study aims to determine an effective approach for reducing POST, which could provide guidance for anesthetic practices in thoracic surgery involving DLTs.