Sore throat following tracheal intubation

Post-operative sore throat is a common minor complication after anesthesia. This paper reviews the factors which influence post-operative sore throat in intubated patients. Two hundred and sixty six intubated patients were investigated to find the incidence of sore throat after elective anesthesia in a middle eastern population. The overall incidence of sore throat was 63.9%. There was no significant difference in the incidence of sore throat between males and females, and in the age groups studied. Anesthetic factors including the use of relaxants, the experience of the anesthesiologist, the number of intubation attempts and lubrication of the tracheal tube did not significantly alter the incidence of sore throat. Duration of anesthesia of greater than 90 minutes was associated with significant increase in sore throat (p < 0.001). Surgical factors including type of surgery, the use of throat packs and early oral intake did not alter the incidence of sore throat. Nasogastric tube insertion was associated with a significantly increased incidence of sore throat (p < 0.01).