Laryngotracheal topicalization with lidocaine before intubation decreases the incidence of coughing on emergence from general anesthesia.

Coughing on emergence can result in a number of undesirable side effects, including hypertension, tachycardia, tachyarrhythmias, increased intracranial pressure, and increased intraocular pressure. The efficacy of endotracheal spraying with lidocaine at the time of intubation in preventing coughing on emergence is unknown. In a double-blind placebo-controlled study, we randomized 50 ASA physical status I and II patients presenting for elective gynecological surgery <2 h duration to receive either endotracheal lidocaine 160 mg or placebo before intubation.