Impact of Cold Throat Packs on Postoperative Sore Throat and Nausea-Vomiting

Abstract Objectives We aimed to study the impact of cold throat packs (TP) on postoperative sore throat (POST) and nausea-vomiting (PONV) and to investigate whether cold irrigation fluids increase TP’s cooling effect. Background Although TPs are used in surgical operations to protect the airway by creating a mechanical barrier, they may be associated with adverse events. Methods TPs were kept at +4 °C before being placed in all patients’ nasopharynx, and the nasopharyngeal area was rinsed and aspirated with a cold irrigation fluid every 20 min. Core body temperature, the amount of physiological saline, demographic, operational, and anesthesia-related data, and signs and symptoms of PONV and POST were recorded. In addition, patients were divided into two subgroups, ‘hot’ and ‘cold’ according to nasotracheal temperature. Results The nasotracheal area was successfully maintained at lower temperatures throughout the surgical procedure (p < 0.001). The occurrence of POST at the 10 th minute was significantly low in Group Cold (p = 0.002). Nausea was detected in 26 of 84 patients (30.9%) without a significant difference between groups, antiemetics was used in 14 of 26 patients (53.8%), and none experienced vomiting. Conclusions Cold applications can reduce POST and improve postoperative patient comfort at a low cost.