A Comparative Study of Cuff Pressure and Its Pressure Effects on the Incidence of Postoperative Cough, Sore Throat and Hoarseness between Air and Alkalinized Lignocaine for Inflating Endotracheal Tube Cuff in Non-Cardiac Surgeries Under General Anaes

Background and Objectives: Endotracheal intubation is essential in anaesthesia for maintaining airway patency and enabling mechanical ventilation during surgery. Proper cuff pressure management is critical to prevent postoperative complications such as sore throat, cough, and hoarseness. The aim of this study is to compare the cuff pressure and its pressure effects when cuff is inflated with air versus alkalinized lignocaine. Methods: This randomized comparative study was conducted on 60 patients undergoing elective non-cardiac surgeries under general anaesthesia. Patients were randomly assigned to two groups of 30 each: Group A (air-inflated cuff) and Group B (alkalinized lignocaine-inflated cuff). Cuff pressures were monitored and adjusted to maintain the recommended range. Postoperative sore throat, cough, and hoarseness were assessed at 30 minutes and 24 hours post-extubation using a standardized questionnaire. Results: Our study found that the incidence of postoperative sore throat was 36% in the air group and 12% in the alkalinized lignocaine group (p < 0.01). Postoperative hoarseness occurred in 28% of patients in the air group compared to 8% in the alkalinized lignocaine group (p < 0.05). The incidence of postoperative cough was 22% in the air group and 14% in the alkalinized lignocaine group, but this difference was not statistically significant (p = 0.18). Cuff pressure measurements showed that the alkalinized lignocaine group had fewer fluctuations, with mean pressures of 25 cm H2O (? 3) compared to 30 cm H2O (? 5) in the air group, indicating better stability (p <0.01). Conclusion: Inflating endotracheal tube cuffs with alkalinized lignocaine significantly reduces the incidence of postoperative sore throat and hoarseness compared to air inflation. Alkalinized lignocaine also provides better pressure stability, making it a preferable option for cuff inflation in clinical practice.