Comparison of Incidence of Post Operative Sore Throat during Conventional Laryngoscopy and Endotracheal Intubation Performed by Trainees and Senior Anaesthetists. A Prospective Randomised Single Blinded Study.

Abstract

Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a frequent complication following tracheal intubation during general anesthesia, causing patient discomfort and dissatisfaction. The influence of the intubator’s experience on the incidence and severity of POST remains unclear.

Aim: To compare the incidence of postoperative sore throat between intubations performed by trainees and senior anaesthetists. Secondary aims were to compare the hemodynamic pressor response during intubation and the duration of laryngoscopy and intubation.

Methods: A prospective randomized single-blinded study was conducted on 60 ASA I and II patients aged 18 to 60 years undergoing elective surgeries requiring conventional laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation. Patients were randomized into two groups: trainees (anaesthesia residents with ≥50 prior intubations) and senior anaesthetists (≥5 years of experience). Standardized anesthesia protocols and monitoring were applied. Postoperative sore throat was assessed over 24 hours using a 10-point numeric rating scale. Hemodynamic variables were recorded at baseline and at 1, 3, and 5 minutes post-intubation.

Results: POST incidence was 40.0% in the trainee group and 26.7% in the senior anaesthetist group, with no statistically significant difference (p = 0.29). Severity of POST also did not differ significantly (p = 0.57). Duration of laryngoscopy and intubation was longer in the trainee group (26.7 ± 5.5 seconds) compared to seniors (17.2 ± 4.9 seconds) (p < 0.001). Hemodynamic responses were similar between groups at all measured time points (p > 0.05). No major complications were reported.

Findings: The study demonstrates that, under supervision and standardized techniques, trainee-performed intubations do not increase the risk or severity of postoperative sore throat or hemodynamic instability compared to senior anaesthetists, despite longer intubation times.