Lidocaine Ointment for Airway Irritation During Intubation

(ETT LIDOCAINE Trial)

This trial tests whether 5% lidocaine ointment (a topical anesthetic) on breathing tubes during surgery can reduce airway irritation, such as coughing and sore throat, compared to the usual water-based lubricant. The researchers aim to determine if the ointment increases patient comfort after surgery and affects the need for pain medication during the operation. Adults scheduled for surgery requiring general anesthesia and a regular breathing tube might be suitable candidates. As an Early Phase 1 trial, this research focuses on understanding how the treatment works in people, offering participants a chance to contribute to groundbreaking medical knowledge.

Research has shown that applying lidocaine on the skin can reduce breathing problems in children during airway procedures. Studies have found that placing lidocaine directly on the airway before inserting a breathing tube lowers the chances of these issues. However, using lidocaine as a lubricant on the breathing tube itself did not alleviate problems like sore throat, cough, or hoarseness after the procedure.

Unlike the standard water-based lubricants typically used to ease airway irritation during intubation, 5% lidocaine ointment offers a unique advantage by delivering local anesthetic properties directly to the site of irritation. This means it doesn't just lubricate but also numbs the area, potentially reducing discomfort and irritation more effectively. Researchers are excited about this ointment because it could provide quicker, more targeted relief, making the intubation process more comfortable for patients undergoing general anesthesia.

This trial will compare 5% Lidocaine Ointment with a water-based lubricant to reduce airway irritation during intubation. Studies have shown that applying lidocaine to the airway before intubation can reduce irritation. Research indicates that lidocaine lowers the chances of coughing and other breathing problems during the procedure. It also seems to make the airway more comfortable afterward, reducing sore throat and hoarseness. Specifically, one study found that using lidocaine on the airway surface significantly decreased breathing issues in children during similar procedures. Overall, lidocaine is widely used because it helps make intubations smoother and more comfortable, supporting its potential effectiveness in reducing airway irritation during intubation.¹²⁴⁶⁷