Abstract
Background: Following endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia, a sore throat on postoperative day is a common outcome that has a significant bearing on patient satisfaction and comfort. For its incidence and associated risk factors in the Pakistan’s healthcare system, there is limited local information. This study aims to determine the prevalence and risk factors of Postoperative Sore Throat following endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia.
Methodology: Ninety patients participated in this cross-sectional study held at Indus Hospital and Jinnah Hospital, Lahore. Patients for whom endotracheal intubation was needed during surgical procedures were sampled through convenient sampling. Prevalance of post-operative sore throat was recorded by analyzing duration of anesthesia, Mallampati classification, BMI , size of ETT and laryngoscope blade . For the assessment of sore throat symptoms, patients were observed for 24 hours post-surgery and assessed on the basis of hoarsness, dysphagia and pain.
Results: POST prevalence was 55.6% within 24 hours. Most symptoms occurred within 6–24 hours post-intubation. Voice changes were noted in 56.7% of patients, with hoarseness (30%) and dysphagia (26.7%) being most common. Pain assessment showed 28.9% severe pain (VAS 7–10). Anesthesia duration >2 hours was the only significant risk factor (p = 0.007), with longer procedures causing more voice complications
Conclusion: Postoperative sore throat (POST) affected majority of patients, with anesthesia duration >2 hours as the significant risk factor. Voice changes and pain were also common, highlighting clinical importance.