Lidocaine on the Endotracheal Tube to Try to Reduce Emergence Coughing
Official title: Application of a 5% Lidocaine Ointment to Endotracheal Tubes to Reduce Emergence Bucking: a Randomized Double-Blind Prospective Trial.
Run by Ohio State University · NCT07709390 · Data updated 2026-11-12
We’re testing whether putting 5% lidocaine ointment on the outside of the tube before intubation helps adults wake up without coughing or bucking.
Quick facts
| Phase | Early Phase 1 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 212 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Ohio State University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, Ohio) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | May 31, 2023 |
| Main results expected | January 31, 2029 |
| Study ends | January 31, 2029 |
| Registry record updated | September 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT07709390 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Adults 18–90 years old scheduled for surgery requiring general anesthesia with oral endotracheal intubation and able to consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients outside the age range or undergoing procedures not meeting the staging criteria, or with allergies to amide local anesthetics, may not benefit.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This early-phase, randomized, double-blind study compares 5% lidocaine ointment to a standard water-based lubricant applied to the exterior of the endotracheal tube. Adults undergoing general anesthesia with oral intubation are assigned to receive either lidocaine ointment or lubricant before intubation, with standardized anesthesia and blinded assessment of coughing, sore throat, and hoarseness during emergence. Primary outcome is the incidence of coughing or bucking during emergence; secondary outcomes include sore throat, hoarseness, and intraoperative opioid use. Demographic and procedural data will be collected to characterize the population and adjust analyses. The hypothesis is that lidocaine will reduce emergence coughing without increasing adverse events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could lessen airway irritation and postoperative discomfort after anesthesia.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work on topical lidocaine for airway management has shown mixed results; this study adds a rigorous randomized, blinded comparison.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: Adults aged 18 years and older, with an upper age limit of 90 years, scheduled for surgery requiring general anesthesia with an oral endotracheal tube. Patients undergoing general surgical procedures, including but not limited to abdominal surgeries (e.g., hernia repairs, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, bowel surgery), non-cervical spinal surgeries, craniotomies, orthopedic procedures, urologic procedures, and other procedures meeting the inclusion criteria. American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) Physical Status I, II, III, or IV. Patients able to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: Age younger than 18 years or older than 90 years. Patients undergoing procedures requiring a specialized airway device instead of a standard oral endotracheal tube (e.g., laryngeal mask airway, double-lumen endobronchial tube). Patients with known hypersensitivity or allergy to amide local anesthetics. Patients with pre-existing sore throat, upper respiratory infection, or active cough at baseline. Patients requiring postoperative mechanical ventilation or critically ill patients requiring intensive care. Patients unable to adequately report outcomes or participate in follow-up assessments. Current smokers. Pregnant women. Prisoners.
Where it's running
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The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center
Columbus, Ohio, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Ling-Qun Hu, MD
- Email: lingqun.hu@osumc.edu
- Phone: 6142933559
How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.