Effect of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil infusion on postoperative sore throat after lumbar spine surgery in the prone position

A sore throat is an adverse postoperative consequence of tracheal intubation under general anesthesia. Recently, dexmedetomidine, an anesthetic adjuvant, has shown beneficial effects in postoperative sore throat (POST). Herein, we compared the effects of dexmedetomidine and remifentanil on POST after spinal surgery in the prone position, which is a risk factor for developing POST. METHODS: Ninety-eight patients were enrolled in the dexmedetomidine and remifentanil groups. Each drug was continuously infused using the following protocol: 1 μg/kg over 10 minutes followed by 0.2 to 0.8 μg/kg/h of dexmedetomidine, 3 to 4 ng/mL during induction followed by 1 to 3 ng/mL of remifentanil intraoperatively. The incidence and severity of POST were assessed serially at 24 hours postoperatively. Postoperative hoarseness, nausea, and pain scores were measured. RESULTS: The incidence and severity of POST were significantly lower in the dexmedetomidine group than that in the remifentanil group. However, the incidence of hoarseness was comparable between the 2 groups. Postoperative nausea was lower in the dexmedetomidine group at 1 hour postoperatively; however, the postoperative pain score and analgesic requirements did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS: Dexmedetomidine infusion as an adjuvant during sevoflurane anesthesia significantly reduced the incidence and severity of POST in patients who underwent lumbar surgery 24 hours postoperatively.