MINIMIZING AIRWAY IRRITATION:THE ROLE OF INTRA-CUFF LIDOCAINE

BACKGROUND: Postoperative airway complications such as sore throat, hoarseness, and cough are frequently observed following general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation.Intracuff lidocaine,particularly in its alkalinized form,has emerged as a promising intervention to minimize these complications without inducing systemic side effects. AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness of intracuff alkalinized lidocaine in reducing postoperative airway complications including sore throat, hoarseness, and cough.MATERIALS AND METHODS:This is was prospective randomized controlled trial conducted over 12 months on 100 patients undergoing elective surgical procedures under general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation at Al-Ameen Medical College & Hospital, Vijayapura. Patients were randomized into two groups:Group A (n=50) with intra-cuff lidocaine and Group B (n=50) with traditional air/saline.The primary outcomes assessed were the incidence and severity of postoperative sore throat,cough,and hoarseness within 24 hours post-extubation.RESULTS: The use of intracuff alkalinized lidocaine was associated with a marked reduction in the incidence of postoperative sore throat, hoarseness, and post-extubation cough compared to placebo. Visual Analog Scale scores for sore throat at 1 and 24 hours postoperatively were consistently lower in patients receiving intracuff alkalinized lidocaine. No adverse effects or extubation delays were observed. CONCLUSION: Intracuff alkalinized lidocaine represents a safe,effective and cost-efficient strategy for reducing common postoperative airway complications. Its incorporation into routine anesthetic practice may enhance patient comfort, satisfaction and overall perioperative outcomes.