Could a simple ointment on breathing tubes prevent Post-Surgery coughing?

NCT ID NCT07709390

First seen Jul 16, 2026 · Last updated Jul 17, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This clinical trial tests whether coating a breathing tube with 5% lidocaine ointment before insertion reduces coughing and throat irritation as patients wake up from anesthesia. Adults aged 18 to 90 undergoing surgery with general anesthesia are randomly assigned to receive either the lidocaine ointment or a standard water-based lubricant on the tube. The study measures coughing episodes during emergence, as well as sore throat and hoarseness afterward, to see if lidocaine improves airway comfort.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance
5% lidocaine ointment applied to the breathing tube before insertion
What this could lead to
If effective, this simple, low-cost approach could reduce coughing and throat discomfort after surgery, improving recovery for many patients.
What could go wrong
This is an early-phase trial, so results may not confirm benefit. Lidocaine could cause side effects like numbness or allergic reactions, and the ointment might not reduce coughing better than standard lubricant.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center

    Columbus, Ohio, 43201, United States

    Contact

    Contact Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••