Comparing the Postoperative Sore Throat Incidence and Hemodynamic Changes after Using Macintosh and GlideScope Laryngoscopes and Laryngeal Mask Airway

Studies have shown that postoperative sore throat (POST) is the most common complication of tracheal intubation; however, its actual incidence and extent are not well documented. 

The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the incidence of POST and hemodynamic changes after using macintosh laryngoscope (MCL), glidescope laryngoscope (GSL), and laryngeal mask airway (LMA) for elective surgery.

This randomized double-blind clinical trial was conducted on 90 patients undergoing elective surgery in Shahid Rajaee Hospital in Qazvin, Iran. Patients were randomly divided into three groups based on the used intubation techniques including MCL, GSL, and LMA. The incidence of POST, hemodynamic changes, laryngoscopy duration, intubation duration, and number of attempts were compared in three groups and analyzed by ANOVA, independent t-test and chi-square.

POST incidence was significantly higher in the MCL group compared to other two groups (P<0.05). Duration of laryngoscopy was significantly longer in the MCL group compared to the GSL group (8.2±2.4 vs. 6.8±1.7; P=0.02). Regarding hemodynamic variables, only heart rate in the LMA group 3 minutes after intervention was significantly lower compared to other two groups (P=0.02).

POST incidence was higher after using GSL and hemodynamic changes were less by using LMA. The preferred method for older people or cardiovascular patients is LMA. Further studies are needed to confirm these results.