A comparative study among normal saline, water soluble gel and 2% lidocaine gel as a SLIPA lubricant

BACKGROUND: This study was designed to find appropriate lubricant for streamed lined liner of pharyngeal airway™ (SLIPA™). We evaluated the incidence of sore throat, nausea, vomiting, hoarseness, paresthesia and blood stain after using saline, water soluble gel and 2% lidocaine gel as a SLIPA™ lublicant. METHODS: One hundred twenty three patients scheduled for minor surgery to whom the SLIPA™ was considered suitable were randomly allocated to one of three groups which receive normal saline, water soluble gel or 2% lidocaine gel as a SLIPA™ lublicant. Patients were interviewed at recovery room, post operation 6-12 hour, post operation 18-24 hour about sore throat and other complications. RESULTS: There were no statistical difference in sore throat and blood stain among three groups. Also there were no statistical differences in hoarseness, nausea, vomiting. The incidence of paresthesia in 2% lidocaine gel group was significantly higher than those of the other two groups immediately after operation, but it was resolved after leaving the recovery room. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that normal saline, water soluble gel and 2% lidocaine gel are all available as a SLIPA™ lubricant. Size of SLIPA™, insertion technique and difficulty of insertion should be further investigated as the main causes of a sore throat and other complications which can occur after the insertion of SLIPA™.