Background: The stress response to laryngoscopy and intubation can cause tachycardia and hypertension resulting in myocardial ischemia and stroke in vulnerable patients. The objective of our study was to compare the efficacy of bolus dose of Esmolol and Lignocaine (preservative free) in attenuation of haemodynamic stress responses to laryngoscopy and intubation in normotensive patients undergoing general anaesthesia for elective surgical procedure.

Material and Methods:  sixty patients of ASA grade I  and II undergoing elective surgeries under general anaesthesia were randomly divided into 2 groups. Group I (n = 30): received Inj. Esmolol (2 mg/kg of body weight) i.v.  3min before laryngoscopy and intubation, over 30seconds. Group II (n = 30): received Inj. lignocaine (2 mg/kg of body weight) i.v.  3min before laryngoscopy and intubation, over 30seconds. Anaesthesia was standardized in both the groups and vital parameters were recorded for upto 15 minutes after intubation.

Results: There was no statistical significant difference in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure in Esmolol and Lignocaine group in the study period except fall in heart rate and systolic blood pressure after administration of intravenous Esmolol (p<0.05) .

Conclusion: Esmolol and Lignocaine are equally effective in attenuation of stress response to laryngoscopy and intubation.

Keywords: Esmolol, Lignocaine, Stress response, Intubation, Laryngoscopy.

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Dr Sonali M. Khobragade

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