Role of preoperative dexamethasone nebulization versus ketamine nebulization in reducing complications of nasogastric tube after laparoscopic surgery.

Background & objective: Nasogastric (NG) tube insertion is a frequently performed medical procedure. Most of the time, the oropharyngeal discomfort is usually underestimated, and insertions are carried out with just regular lubricant jelly and no additional painkillers, which results in less-than-ideal pain management. We compared the effectiveness of preemptive use of nebulized ketamine and dexamethasone in preventing post-operative sore throat following NG tube insertion in laparoscopic surgery. Methods: This prospective randomized double-blind controlled study was carried on 108 patients of both sexes with ASA physical status I-II. aged 20-60 years, undergoing laparoscopic abdominal surgeries under general anesthesia. Patients were randomized into 3 equal groups. Group D received a dose of 8 mg nebulized dexamethasone. Group K received 50 mg nebulized ketamine. Group S received 5 ml of nebulized saline. NG tube was passed after induction of general anesthesia. Postoperative sore throat was enquired from the patients at full recovery (zero hour), then at 2, 8, 12 and 24 h. Computer software (SPSS 15.0.1. for Windows; SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, 2001) was used for data analysis. Non-parametric quantitative data, median, range, percentages, and numbers are given for qualitative data. The appropriate analysis was conducted in line with the data obtained. P < 0.05 was regarded as significant. Results: The incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST) was lower with both nebulized dexamethasone and nebulized ketamine compared with nebulized saline; and significantly lower with dexamethasone compared with ketamine at 0 h (P < 0.001), 2 h (P < 0.001), 8 h (P < 0.001), 12 h (P < 0.001), and 24 h (P < 0.001). Conclusion: The current study revealed that preoperative nebulized dexamethasone was more effective than nebulized ketamine in reducing postoperative sore throat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]