Effectiveness of ketamine gargle in reducing postoperative sore throat in patients undergoing airway instrumentation: a systematic review.

Abstract

Postoperative sore throat is a common, minor adverse event, second to postoperative nausea and vomiting, occurring in individuals undergoing general anesthesia. Postoperative sore throat has the potential to not only diminish patient satisfaction, but also increase the need for adjunct pain therapy in the post anesthesia care unit. Many techniques are utilized to reduce postoperative sore throat; however no one intervention has proven to be completely effective. The use of ketamine gargle is a novel intervention but the effectiveness of administering it prior to induction of general anesthesia is still uncertain. Therefore, further evaluation of current evidence is needed to determine the effectiveness of ketamine gargle in reducing the incidence of postoperative sore throat.