Combined intraoperative paracetamol and preoperative dexamethasone reduces postoperative sore throat: a prospective randomized study

The number of studies reported the use of paracetamol or dexamethasone in the treatment of postoperative sore throat (POST). But there is no report on the combined effect of paracetamol and dexamethasone in the incident and severity of a POST. This randomized study revealed that combined dose of both the drugs significantly reduces the incidence of POST.

A postoperative sore throat (POST) following general anaesthesia with endotracheal intubation is a frequent and unwanted issue. This study involved the evaluation of the combined consequences of Paracetamol and Dexamethasone on the prevention of POST within individuals after general anaesthesia.

Two hundred twenty-six participants registered for urologic surgery beneath general anaesthesia were randomised to either DexaPara group (10 mg Dexamethasone plus 1000mg Paracetamol) or Dexa group (10 mg Dexamethasone). Patients were monitored for dysphagia, POST, and hoarseness. A comparison was done within perioperative opioid needs and postoperative wound pain score. Groups were also compared for the complications associated with opioids.

DexaPara group exhibited overall lower indicence of POST as compared to the Dexa group. However, both groups showed similar incidence of postoperative nausea, drowsiness, headache, shivering, and vomiting.

The infusion of Paracetamol and Dexamethasone lessened the rate of POST without any severe complications among participants for urologic surgery under general anaesthesia.