Dexamethasone in adenotonsillectomy

Edema contributes substantially to the postoperative discomfort and morbidity of adenotonsillectomy. In a double-blind study, 58 children undergoing adenotonsillectomy were given a single intraoperative dose of either dexamethasone or saline. The steroid markedly affected the postoperative course in the first day after surgery. According to parental reports, the percentage of patients vomiting was reduced from 48 to 4%. Severe throat pain was reported in 57% of controls and only 20% of dexamethasone patients. Twice as many steroid patients as controls tolerated some soft food on the first postoperative day. It appears that dexamethasone can greatly improve patient diet and comfort after adenotonsillectomy.