COMPARATIVE EFFICACY OF KETAMINE GARGLE AT TWO DIFFERENT DOSES IN PREVENTING POSTOPERATIVE SORE THROAT

Abstract

Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a frequent complication associated with general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation. This study evaluated the effectiveness of ketamine gargles at doses of 50 mg and 100 mg in preventing POST.

Methods: This prospective, single-blind, placebo-controlled study included 90 patients undergoing surgery under general anesthesia with endotracheal intubation, divided into three groups: Ketamine 50 mg gargles, Ketamine 100 mg gargles, and a control group. The incidence and severity of POST were evaluated at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, and 24 hours postoperatively. Additionally, patient satisfaction and willingness to repeat the same intervention in future surgeries were documented.

Results: The ketamine 100 mg group demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of POST compared to the ketamine 50 mg and control groups at 0 hours (3.3% vs. 10% and 26.7%, respectively; p=0.049), 2 hours (6.7% vs. 16.7% and 40%, respectively; p=0.011), and 4 hours (3.3% vs. 13.3% and 33.3%, respectively; p=0.015). Additionally, the severity of POST in the ketamine 100 mg group was significantly lower at 0, 2, and 4 hours postoperatively (p<0.05). Patient satisfaction and willingness to repeat the intervention were also the highest in the ketamine 100 mg group, followed by the ketamine 50mg group, recorded at 96.7% and 93.3%, respectively (p<0.05). The side effect profiles were similar across all groups.

Conclusion: Ketamine gargles at a dose of 100 mg were more effective than 50 mg in reducing the incidence and severity of POST during the early postoperative period, while also achieving higher patient satisfaction and greater willingness to opt for the same intervention in future surgeries.