Results of intravenous steroid injection on reduction of postoperative edema in rhinoplasty

Abstract

Objective: To determine the efficacy of intravenous dexamethasone in reducing postrhinoplasty edema. Design: A prospective, randomized clinical trial with placebo control. Setting: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Al-Sabah and Zain Hospital, Kuwait. Subject: Eighty-four patients (male = 28; female = 56) aged between 20 and 40 years, undergoing open rhinoplasty with hump removal and bilateral lateral osteotomies were enrolled in this study. Intervention: Patients were randomized to receive two doses of 10 mg of dexamethasone intravenously or placebo, first dose during surgery and second dose 12 hours after surgery. Main outcome measures: Patients were evaluated postoperatively at 24 hours, days 2, 5, 7 and 10 for periorbital edema. Results: 10 mg of dexamethasone given intravenously during rhinoplasty and a second dose 12 hours after surgery, reduced postoperative periorbital edema significantly. Conclusion: This study showed a statistically significant benefit of dexamethasone over placebo in reducing periorbital edema after rhinoplasty. No complications were attributed to the administration of dexamethasone. © Association of Otolaryngologists of India 2009.