Comparison of proportion of post operative sore throat following endotracheal intubation between videolaryngoscope and macintosh blades in patients undergoing general anaethesia.

Post operative sore throat (POST) is a frequent and discomforting complaint after general anaesthesia involving endotracheal intubation. Its incidence ranges between 14-62% largely due to mucosal irritation, pressure trauma and mechanical injury during laryngoscope (MCL) requires greater lifting force and neck manipulation, which may increase mucosal trauma. In contrast, videolaryngoscopes (VLs) provide an improved glottic view with minimal force and less airway manipula adadvantagetion. However, literature reveals conflicting results regarding whether VLs actually reduce the incidence of POST compared to MCLs.

The present study aims to compare the proportion of POST between patients intubated with a videolaryngoscope and those intubated with a Macintosh blade. All participants will undergo standard pre-anaesthetic evalution, induction and intubation using either a VL or MCL as per group allocation. Post operative sore throat will be assessed at 0,1,6 and 12hrs after extubation using a stuructured proforma. Ethical principals of confidentiality, voluntary participation, and informed consent will be maintained throughout. No additional budget is required as all necessary equipment is available within the institution.

in conclusion, this study seeks to establish whether videolaryngoscopy offers a significant advantage over the Macintosh technique in reducing the frequency and severity of post-operative sore thraot, thereby enhancing patient comfort and improving airway management practices in anaesthetic care.