The effect of benzydamine hydrochloride on preventing postoperative sore throat after total thyroidectomy: a randomized-controlled trial

Purpose: We compared the effects of benzydamine hydrochloride (BH), 10% lidocaine, and normal saline spray on preventing postoperative sore throat (POST) in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy (TT). Methods: In this prospective, randomized, parallel-group, double-blind study, the incidence of POST at six hours after tracheal extubation was compared among three groups as a primary outcome. American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I-II patients undergoing elective TT under general anesthesia were enrolled. Patients were randomly stratified into group C (n = 33, normal saline), group L (n = 33, 10% lidocaine), or group B (n = 33, 0.3% BH). The participants, caregiver, and investigator were blinded to group assignment. Each study drug was sprayed three times on the endotracheal tube (ETT) cuff ten seconds before intubation. Incidence and severity of POST were recorded within 24 hr postoperatively (during postanesthesia care unit stay, and at six, 12, and 24 hr after extubation). P values were adjusted for multiple comparisons. Results: Ninety-nine patients were enrolled. Eighty-seven patients completed the study. The incidence of POST at six hours after tracheal extubation was similar among the three groups (group C: 31 [93.9%], group L: 29 [87.9%], and group B: 27 [81.8%]; P = 0.38). Nevertheless, the incidence of POST was significantly different among the three groups at 12 and 24 hr after TT (12 hr: P = 0.002, 24 hr: P = 0.01). The severity of POST after tracheal extubation was statistically different among the study groups (6 hr: P = 0.04, 12 hr: P = 0.01). No adverse effects were observed. Conclusion: Application of BH spray on the ETT cuff reduced the incidence and severity of POST at 12 hr after TT. We suggest this method to be a non-invasive and effective management option for POST without serious side effects. Trial registration: Clinical Research Information Service (KCT0002627); registered 24 November, 2017.