Comparing the Effect of Dexamethasone before and after Tracheal Intubation on Sore Throat after Tympanoplasty Surgery: A Randomized Controlled trial

Introduction: Presence of a sore throat after surgery is a common side effect of general anesthesia with intratracheal intubation and can cause discomfort for the patient and prolong the recovery process. In this study we compared the effect of dexamethasone before and after intubation on the incidence of sore throat after tympanoplasty surgery.   Materials and Methods: In a double-blind, randomized clinical trial, 70 patients aged 30–60 years with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status I or II who were candidates for tympanoplasty under anesthetic conditions were studied in two separate groups. The first group received intravenous (IV) dexamethasone (8 mg) 30 mins prior to intubation while the second group received the same dose of dexamethasone 30 mins after intubation. The incidence and severity of the sore throat in both groups were then evaluated.   Results: There was no significant difference between two groups in intensity of sore throat (62.9% vs. 57.1%), cough (65.7% vs. 62.9%), or hoarseness (62.9% vs. 65.7%) within 24 h after surgery. Detection of blood in oral secretions or on the tracheal tube was the same in both groups (5.7%). The incidence of coughs during the extubation was 0% in first group and 11.4% in second group.   Conclusion:  According to the results of this research there was no significant difference in incidence and intensity of sore throat in patients receiving dexamethasone before or after intubation. Further, no significant difference in intensity of coughs or hoarseness was observed.