Article / Use of Dexamethasone to Minimize the Morbidity of Tonsillectomy

ABSTRACT

Objective:
To determine the effects of a single dose of dexamethasone on post-operative morbidity in patients undergoing tonsillectomy/adeno-tonsillectomy

Design:
prospective, double-blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trail.

Methods:
In a period between February 2007 to January 2010 one hundred sixty patients (94 male and 66 female),aged between 5 and 18years,undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy were randomized to receive asingle dose of intravenous dexamethasone 0.4 mg/kg or 8 mg for adult or placebo saline single dose pstoperatively and were assessed for post operative pain,nausea and vomiting,tolarence to oral intake,uvular oedema,fever and the time of discharge from hospital.
Result
The use of injectable dexamethasone in a dose 0f 0.4 mg per kg body weight was effective in reducing post operative undesirable symptoms like pain,nausia,vomiting,oedema , inadequate oral intake and fever.