The Relation between Ketamine Spraying on the Endotracheal Tube Cuff and Reduced Postoperative Sore Throat, Cough and Hoarseness in Parturient Patients

Background: Tracheal intubation is used in general anesthesia and often leads to traumatization of the airway mucosa. These complications can cause postoperative morbidity. This study was designed to determine the effect of ketamine spraying on the endotracheal tube cuff on sore throat, cough, and hoarseness during the first 24 hours of the postoperative period. Methods: 120 healthy women with term singleton pregnancy scheduled for elective term cesarean delivery under general anesthesia were enrolled. Patients were randomized into two equal groups. 1 ml (50 mg) ketamine was sprayed on the endotracheal tube cuff in group K as a study group and 1 ml normal saline was sprayed on the endotracheal tube cuff in group N as a control group. The patients were interviewed for sore throat, cough, and hoarseness at  1, 6 and 24 hours after general anesthesia. Results: In group K, no patient reported sore throat, cough and hoarseness in the first hours after surgery. However at the same time in group N the incidence of these symptoms was significantly higher than group K. The incidence of combined moderate and severe sore throat, cough and hoarseness was significantly lower in group K compared with group N, not only in 6 hours after surgery (1.67%, 0, 0 in group K vs 13.34%, 18.34%, 16.68% in group N, p 0.05) but also 24 hours after operation (1.67%, 0, 0 in group K vs13.3%, 16.6%, 11.67% in group N, p 0.05). Conclusion: Ketamine spraying on the endotracheal tube cuff reduces the incidence of sore throat, hoarseness and cough in patients undergoing operation under general anesthesia.