Effects of Preoperative Stellate Ganglion Block on Postoperative Sore Throat and Hoarseness in Patients Undergoing Double-Lumen Endobronchial Intubation: Protocol for a Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial

Background: Postoperative sore throat (POST) is a common complication after general anesthesia, especially following double-lumen endobronchial tube (DLT) intubation in thoracic surgery, adversely affecting recovery. Stellate ganglion block (SGB) modulates sympathetic tone and inflammation, potentially reducing airway complications, but its efficacy for POST and hoarseness after DLTs remains unclear. Objective: To evaluate the impact of preoperative SGB on the incidence and severity of POST and hoarseness in patients undergoing DLT intubation, and to explore its effects on postoperative sleep, anxiety, depression, and hemodynamics. Methods: In this single-center, prospective, randomized controlled trial, 124 patients scheduled for thoracic surgery with left DLT intubation are to be included. Patients will be randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to the SGB group or the control group. Patients in the SGB group will receive ultrasound-guided right SGB (5 mL of 0.5% ropivacaine) approximately 30 minutes before anesthesia induction. In the control group, ultrasound-guided scanning of the stellate ganglion will be conducted without performing SGB, and local lubrication with 1% tetracaine gel will be administered prior to intubation. The primary outcome is the incidence of POST at 6 hours after surgery. Discussion: This trial will determine whether SGB can effectively reduce POST and hoarseness after DLT intubation, potentially offering a multimodal strategy to improve postoperative recovery in thoracic surgery patients. Clinical Trial Registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2400092313).