Post Operative Sore Throat - The Effect of Ketamine Nebulization on its Incidence and Severity

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of nebulized ketamine for attenuation of Post-operative sore throat (POST) in patients undergoing surgeries under GA with tracheal intubation. Methods: After written informed consent, 40 patients of ASA PS I,II scheduled for surgery under general anaesthesia were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomized into two groups; Group saline(S) received saline nebulization 5.0 ml and group ketamine(K) received ketamine 50 mg(1.0 ml) with 4.0 ml of saline nebulization for 15 min.GA was induced 10 min after completion of nebulization. The POST and hemodynamic monitoring were done pre-nebulization, pre-induction, post-extubation, and at 2, 4, 6, 8, 12 and 24 h post-operatively.POST was graded on a four‑point scale(0–3). Results: The incidence of POST was more in saline group than in ketamine group (9/20 vs 3/20; 45% vs 15%) with P = 0.04. The use of ketamine nebulization attenuated POST at 0, 2h , 4h , 6h , 8h , 12h , 24h post‑operatively (P < 0.05). The severity of POST was more at 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 hr after surgery in saline group than ketamine group (p <0.05).Conclusion: Ketamine nebulization significantly attenuated the incidence and severity of POST, especially in the early post-operative period, with no adverse effects.