ABSTRACT: The phase of extubation from general anaesthesia is associated with tracheal morbidity like sore throat and hoarseness. Various measures have been tried to minimize post intubation morbidities. Here we compared the incidence of sore throat and hoarseness between two groups having air and 4% lidocaine solution as an inflating agent in ETT cuff.

METHODS : 48, ASA 1&2 patients of either sex undergoing elective abdominal surgeries under general anaesthesia were divided in 2 groups of 24 each. In group A, ETT cuff were inflated by air and in group B, 3-5ml 4% lignocaine solution was instilled in the ETT cuff. Cuff pressure were maintained at 20-22cm H20 by cuff pressure gauge in all the patients. Sore throat was assessed in all groups by 10 point VAS pain score after 24hrs of extubation.

RESULTS : i) We found lidocaine 4% instillation in ETT cuff significantly reduced the post intubation morbidities like sore throat and hoarseness as compared to air . ii) Haemodynamic parameters like heart rates and blood pressure were comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSIONS :Lidocaine 4% instillation in ETT cuff significantly reduced the post intubation morbidities like sore throat and hoarseness as compared to air. Hence it is a better inflating agent in ETT cuff than air.