Effect of Steroids on Post-tonsillectomy Morbidities

This study aims to evaluate the effect of postoperative systemic rapid onset and short acting dexamethasone followed by a tapering dose of oral prednisolone on post-tonsillectomy morbidities. Half of the patients who comply with the inclusion criteria were selected to receive a single postoperative dose of intravenous dexamethasone followed by oral steroids; the second group received placebo.

The effect of preoperative systemic steroids on post-tonsillectomy morbidities such as pain, nausea, vomiting and delayed feeding was proven. However, this study aims to evaluate the effect of postoperative systemic rapid onset and short acting dexamethasone followed by a tapering dose of oral prednisolone on the aforementioned morbidities and on decreasing the duration and costs of hospital stays. patients who were in the waiting list for tonsillectomy procedure were screened for medical history and those who comply with the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned into two equal groups of 50 patients each. One group was selected to receive a single postoperative dose of intravenous dexamethasone followed by oral steroids; the second group received placebo. Questionnaires investigating postoperative pain, nausea, vomiting, and oral intake were answered by patients, parents or guardians where applicable.

Dexamethasone, Prednisolone, Tonsillectomy Nausea, Pain, Postoperative, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, Randomized controlled trial, Post-tonsillectomy pain, delayed feeding

Single dose of intravenous dexamethasone given immediately following surgery (0.15 mg/kg), followed by oral Prednisolone (0.25mg/kg/day for 7 days then tapering for next 7 days) and paracetamol (acetaminophen 15 mg/kg/dose every 6 hours).

5 grades (pain free, low disability and low intensity, low disability and high intensity, high disability and moderate intensity, high disability and severly limiting)

Postoperative nausea onset (no nausea, immediate, 1st day, 2nd day, 3rd day, 4th day, 5th day, 6th day, 7th day)

total number of post-operative vomiting episodes which were experienced within the 1st week post-surgery

Inclusion Criteria: Patients in the waiting list for tonsillectomy under general anesthesia who accepted to participate in the study. Exclusion Criteria: Patients who are allergic to steroids or those who have medical conditions which contraindicate the use of steroid i.e diabetes mellitus, gastritis, or hypertension and those who were on exogenous steroid supplements.

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