Preoperative administration of dexamethasone reduces post-tonsillectomy morbidities in adults

AimTo investigate the efficacy of dexamethasone on the quality of life in adult tonsillectomy patients in terms of postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain.Materials and methodsIn this study, 106 adult patients of control and study groups were injected with 2 ml intravenous normal saline and dexamethasone in a dose of 0.3 mg/kg (maximal dose 8 mg), respectively, during the induction of anesthesia, prior to cold dissection tonsillectomy. Post-operative pain scores, incidences of nausea and vomiting, and the duration of oral intake were compared in both groups.ResultsThe overall post-operative incidences of nausea and vomiting and pain scores of 74 patients were significantly less in the study group (n = 43) as compared to the control group (n = 31). The study group could intake liquid and solid foods earlier than patients of the control group.ConclusionPre-operative administration of dexamethasone significantly reduces post-tonsillectomy morbidities such as nausea, vomiting, and pain with early resumption of oral intake.