Double Blind Comparison between Betamethasone Gel and Lidocaine Jelly Applied Over Tracheal Tube to Reduce Postoperative Sorethroat, Cough and Hoarseness of Voice

Tracheal intubation is the foremost cause of trauma to the airway mucosa, resulting in postoperative sore throat, cough and hoarseness of voice which are its common, uncomfortable, distressing sequelae. These effects are because of irritation and inflammation of the airway. It affects patient satisfaction and can affect the patients activities after leaving the hospital. This prospective, randomized, double blind study will compare the role of extensive application of betamethasone gel and lidocaine jelly on the tracheal tube and cuff in reducing the incidence of sore throat, cough and hoarseness of voice during the first 24 hr postoperative period. One hundred patients of either sex belonging to ASA Grade I or II and aged between 18/60 years scheduled for emergency or elective surgeries will be included in the study. They will be randomly divided into two study groups. The variables will be measured as per the protocol. Data will be collected and statistically analysed using ANOVA.