The effect of betamethasone gel in reducing sore throat, cough, and hoarseness after laryngo-tracheal intubation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Tracheal intubation for general anesthesia often leads to traumatization of the airway mucosa resulting in postoperative sore throat, hoarseness and cough. This study was undertaken to determine the effects of betamethasone gel in reducing these complications. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred patients (ASA I-II) to undergo endotracheal intubation, were randomly divided equally into two groups; 50 Case (Group A). 50 Control (Group B). The tracheal tubes for Case Group A were lubricated with 0.05% betamethasone gel and for the Control Group B with KY gel. Patients were interviewed at end of procedures and 1 and 24 hour after extubation. RESULTS The incidence and severity of sore throat, hoarseness and cough, 1 and 24 hours postoperatively was reduced significantly in Case Group A. CONCLUSION Betamethasone gel, when was used for lubrication of endotracheal tubes pre-operatively, was shown to be effective in decreasing postoperative sore throat, hoarseness, and cough.