Kuriyama A, et al. - By performing this systematic review, researchers evaluated whether preoperative, topical ketamine (an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist) application is efficacious for preventing postoperative sore throat. They explored MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CENTRAL to identify randomized controlled trials with at least one intervention including topical ketamine to prevent postoperative sore throat in adults undergoing endotracheal intubation. Overall 41 randomized controlled trials with 3,775 participants were examined. Findings are suggestive of likely more effectiveness of preoperative, topical ketamine application than non-analgesic methods as a prophylactic option against the development of postoperative sore throat. For determining the position of topical ketamine among the preventative agents for postoperative sore throat, the number of studies did not suffice.