Effectiveness of Preemptive Chlorhexidine Digluconate-Flurbiprofen Spray on Postoperative Sore Throat and Hoarseness in Patients Undergoing Rhinoplasty: A Retrospective Study

Background In this retrospective study, we aimed to investigate the effect of chlorhexidine digluconate-flurbiprofen spray (Klorhex Plus® oral spray) on postoperative sore throat (POST) and hoarseness (POH) in patients undergoing rhinoplasty. Methodology Patients who underwent rhinoplasty alone in our clinic between April 01, 2021, and February 28, 2022, were enrolled in the study. Patients’ demographics such as age, gender, height, and smoking status that could affect sore throat, difficult intubation, and operation time were recorded from the patients’ files. Patients were grouped as those who received Klorhex Plus oral spray before the surgery (Klorhex P group) and those who did not (control group). POST and POH were recorded from the patients’ postoperative surgery files. Postoperative pain evaluation was performed using the Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) at the postoperative first hour (PPL1h), 12th hour (PPL12h), and first day (PPL1d) from the postoperative nursing files. Results A total of 354 patients who underwent rhinoplasty alone were included in this study. No significant difference was found between the groups in terms of the demographic data. Statistically, PPL1h, PPL12h, and PPL1d were significantly lower in the Klorhex P group compared to the control group (for all, p < 0.001). POST and POH were also significantly higher in the control group (both, p < 0.001). Conclusions The results of this study indicate that Klorhex Plus oral spray is an efficient agent for preemptive analgesia before rhinoplasty. It significantly decreases the postoperative pain level, POST, and POH. However, further comprehensive prospective studies are needed to introduce Klorhex Plus oral spray to rhinology practice.