Abstract

Background: Endotracheal intubation is a common mode of securing the airway for
administering general anaesthesia. Direct laryngoscopy and endotracheal intubation is almost
always associated with haemodynamic changes due to reflex sympathetic stimulation caused
by laryngopharyngeal stimulation.
Methods: A prospective, randomized controlled clinical study was undertaken to compare
the efficacy of oropharyngeal lignocaine spray (group L,n=30) and sublingual nitroglycerine
spray (group N, n=30) in blunting of haemodynamic response to laryngoscopy and intubation
belonging to ASA I, posted for surgery under general anaesthesia.
Results: There was statistically significant difference in the mean heart rate between the
groups for the first 3 minutes after intubation. Statistical evaluation between the groups
showed the mean SBP was statistically significant (p=0.036) for initial 3 mins after intubation
and also at 5th 6th & 10th minute. Statistical evaluation between the groups showed that
mean DBP 1st minute after intubation was statistically significant (p=0.008). The difference
was significant at 4, 5, 6 and 9 min after intubation. Statistical evaluation between the groups
did not show any statistical difference in the MAP except at 5th & 6th minute. However,
there was no clinically significant difference in any of the above groups.
Conclusion: Both sublingual NTG & lignocaine group successfully blunted the intubation
response, sublingual NTG spray was better in suppressing the BP response to laryngoscopy
and intubation than oropharyngeal lignocaine spray but lignocaine controlled the HR
response better than NTG.