Eutectic mixture of local anesthetics reduces postoperative sore throat

A new study by Abishek Murugaiyan and team showed that when compared to lubricating gel, the administration of eutectic mixture of local anesthetics (EMLA) cream over the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff lessens the likelihood and intensity of postoperative sore throat (POST), coughing, and hoarseness of voice in individuals following general anesthesia. The findings of this study were published in Anesthesia & Analgesia Journal.

Adults who undergo endotracheal intubation may have the painful symptom of postoperative sore throat. This study intended to assess the incidence and severity of cough, POST, and hoarseness of voice in individuals following surgery when a topical application of a eutectic combination of local anesthetics cream was applied over the endotracheal tube cuff.

Adult patients aged 18 to 65, in physical status I or II according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and of either sex were scheduled to have either lubricant gel or 5% EMLA cream put over the ETT cuff in this randomized, placebo-controlled research. None (0), mild (1), moderate (2), or severe were the POST grades (3). Significant POST was defined as a score of ≥2. The main result was the prevalence of POST in the sixth postoperative hour. The incidence of POST at 0 seconds, 24 hours, and substantial POST (score ≥2) were among the secondary outcomes. Both the prevalence and severity of postoperative coughing as well as voice hoarseness were noted at the same time.