The Effects of Intracuff Lidocaine on Endotracheal-Tube-Induced Emergence Phenomena After General Anesthesia

Abstract

Tracheal intubation with an endotracheal tube is often necessary during anesthesia. After intubation, inflating a cuff around the endotracheal tube maintains a seal. This can result in coughing during emergence from anesthesia. Our study shows that inflating the cuff of an endotracheal tube with lidocaine rather than air can reduce the incidence of postextubation coughing.