Use of K-Y Jelly on Throat Packs for Postoperative Sore Throat after Nasal Surgery: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Introduction  Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a fairly common side effect of general anesthesia. The K-Y jelly is a well-known lubricant used in many medical procedures. Objective  In this randomized study, we evaluated the use of throat packs soaked with K-Y jelly for POST outcomes in patients submitted to nasal surgery. Methods  The present double-blinded, randomized, controlled study included 140 ASA I-II patients undergoing nasal surgery under general anesthesia. Patients received either or K-Y jelly or water-soaked X-ray detectable throat packs fully inserted into the mouth to occlude the oropharynx. Results  Comparison between the studied groups regarding the severity of POST assessed by visual analog scale revealed significantly lower POST levels in the K-Y jelly group on recovery from anesthesia, and at 2, 4, and 6 hours postoperatively. Conclusions  The use of K-Y jelly-soaked throat packs was associated with less severe POST after nasal surgery.