Effect of special mouthwash oral rinse in reducing postoperative sore throat: a randomized control trial

Abstract

Introduction: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is an undesirable complication after general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. While it is a mild side effect, POST is a common complaint and cause of a patient’s discomfort. It can be severe enough to make daily activities difficult with reducing the overall satisfaction from anesthesia. Pharmacological and non-pharmacological methods are used for minimizing POST but no single drug has been commonly accepted.

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate effectiveness of special mouthwash oral rinse on the incidence and severity of POST.

Materials and Methods: This randomized prospective controlled trial study was approved by the IRB and performed in 120 patients, scheduled for elective surgeries under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. All anesthetized patients were randomized into two groups, i.e., control (C, n=60) and receive special mouthwash oral rinse for 5 minutes prior to extubation (SMW, n=60). The patients were assessed for sore throat and hoarseness of voice immediately after extubation and then at 1, 2 and 24 hours after extubation by using four-point scale.

Results: Both groups had the highest incidence of POST occurred at the 2 hours after extubation. There was statistical significance decreased in the incidence of POST between SMW and control group at 1, 2 and 24 hours after extubation, respectively. (SMW 20.00%, C 38.33%, p = 0.027, SMW 21.67%, C 45%, p = 0.011 and SMW 11.67%, C 31.67%, p = 0.014). The severity of POST in the SMW group at immediately after extubation and at 1, 2 and 24 hours were statistical significance lower than control group (p = 0.004).

Conclusion: Applying special mouthwash oral rinse 5 minute prior to extubation resulted in statistically significant decreases in the incidence and severity of POST. In addition, patients who receive special mouthwash oral rinse have more satisfied in general anesthesia.