Effects of preoperative chewing gum on pharyngeal complications after extubation of double-lumen tracheal tube in patients undergoing thoracic surgery

Objective To evaluate the effect of preoperative chewing gum on pharyngeal complication after extubation of double-lumen tracheal tube in patients undergoing thoracic surgery under general anesthesia. Methods A total of 111 patients who were scheduled for thoracic surgery under general anesthesia with double-lumen tracheal tube were enrolled. According to the random number table method, the patients were randomly divided into two groups: a chewing gum group (group G, n=55) and a control group (group C, n=56). Then, 5—10 min before induction of general anesthesia, patients in group G chewed gum for 2 min, while those in group C swallowed saliva twice alone. Their endotracheal intubation, exposure of the glottis and epiglottis, intraoperative reposition of double-lumen tracheal tube and the incidence and severity of pharyngeal complications within 24 h after operation were recorded. Results Group G presented a lower incidence of pharyngeal complication than group C 6 h and 24 h after surgery (P<0.05). Group G showed a lower incidence of pharyngeal discomfort (non-sore throat) than group C 2 h and 6 h after surgery (P<0.05). Group G showed a lower severity of pharyngeal discomfort (non-sore throat) than group C within 24 h after surgery (P<0.05). Conclusions Chewing gum before surgery can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative pharyngeal complication, especially reducing postoperative pharyngeal discomfort (non-sore throat).