Relation between Intraoperative Dexamethasone and Post-Tonsillectomy Morbidity

Objective: To determine the effects of dexamethasone on reduction of post-operative morbidity in patients undergoing tonsillectomy.

Design: Cross-sectional study.

Setting: Al-Sabah, Zain Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital, Kuwait.

Patients: Ninety-four (50 male and 44 female), aged between 5 and 18, who underwent tonsillectomy.

Intervention: All patients received a single dose of intravenous dexamethasone intraoperatively.

Main Outcome Measures: Post-operative pain, nausea and vomiting, and airway obstruction with respiratory compromise.

Results: Statistically significant decline in post-operative pain, nausea and vomiting, and airway obstruction with respiratory compromise.

Conclusion: A single intra-operative dose of dexamethasone 1mg/kg is an efficacious and safe method for reducing post-tonsillectomy morbidity.

Keywords: dexamethasone; post-opretaive morbidity; tonsillectomy; pediatrics.