Effect of methylprednisolone on swelling after orthognathic surgery

Optimizing drug regimens and supplementation in orthognathic surgery: A comprehensive and practical guide

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to comprehensively review the literature and provide a practical guide for optimizing drug regimens and supplementation related to orthognathic surgery.

METHODS

The authors conducted a thorough review of the existing literature, following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Various types of studies except case reports and reviews were included. The study applied specific inclusion criteria, focusing on perioperative and/or postoperative drugs, medications, or supplementation related to orthognathic surgery.

RESULTS

This guide included 78 studies on various medications in orthognathic surgery. It encompasses clinical trials, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, prospective and retrospective studies. The topics covered include antibiotics, analgesics, corticosteroids, antiemetics, hemostatic agents, local anesthetics, herbal medicine, and botulinum toxin. Pain and edema control involved specific medications, while local anesthesia utilized ropivacaine and bupivacaine. The guide also discusses mineral and vitamin supplementation. The effectiveness of hemostatic agents and antiemetics was highlighted.

CONCLUSION

Pain management, reduced swelling, enhanced wound healing, and faster recovery are among the advantages. In addition to the standard drugs and medications, the inclusion of vitamin and mineral supplements, tranexamic acid, postoperative anesthetic blocks, and preemptive antiemetics is anticipated to offer various benefits in orthognathic surgery, despite the limited available evidence.

A reliable and reproducible method for repositioning 3D images to calculate changes in facial volume after orthognathic surgery

PURPOSE

An accurate, reproducible method to calculate post-operative facial swelling in patients who have undergone orthognathic surgery is important to evaluate the effects of different therapies and surgical techniques on edema. The purpose of this study was to describe such a method and assess its reliability.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective study of patients undergoing orthognathic surgery was conducted. 3D facial photographs were taken on these patients immediately postoperatively, and again at least 21 days later using the 3DMD face system (3DMD LLC., Atlanta, GA, USA). These were cropped using specific anatomic points and the difference in facial volume between the photographs was calculated. Intra-rater reliability and inter-rater reliability were assessed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC).

RESULTS

30 patients were included in the study for analysis. When the difference in facial swelling was calculated twice by the same rater, the mean difference between the two measurements was 4.0 ± 4.2 mL. When calculated by two separate raters, the mean difference was found to be 5.0 ± 3.8 mL. The ICCs for intra-rater and inter-rater reliability were excellent at 0.979 and 0.981 respectively.

CONCLUSION

This method allows for reproducible calculation of post-operative facial swelling and could be useful to evaluate the effects of different therapies used to limit swelling and to track the resolution of swelling. It can also potentially be used as a visual aid for patient counseling during the pre-surgical visits.

The Influence of Bolus of Methylprednisolone on Postorthognathic Surgery Symptoms: A Controlled Clinical Trial

OBJECTIVE

Despite improvements in maxillary and mandibular osteotomy, complications still result in around 20%. Post and intraoperative standard therapies, based on the use of betamethasone and tranexamic acid, could help to minimize the onset of side effects. The aim of the study was to compare the role of a supplementary bolus of methylprednisolone rather than the standard therapy in the onset of postoperative symptoms.

METHODS

The authors enrolled 10 patients, affected by class 2 and 3 Dentoskeletal, submitted to the institution for maxillomandibular repositioning osteotomy between October 2020 and April 2021. Patients were divided into 2 groups as follows: 5 patients (group A ) received standard therapy consisting of the administration of 4 mg of betamethasone, intraoperatively, and 1 g of tranexamic acid in 2 administrations. The remaining 5 patients (group B ) received a supplementary bolus of 20 mg methylprednisolone before the end of the surgery.All patients received, in the postoperative period, 4 mg of betamethasone every 12 hours, for 3 days. Postoperative outcomes were evaluated with a questionnaire evaluating speaking discomfort, pain when swallowing, feeding discomfort, drinking discomfort, swelling, and ache. Each parameter was associated with a numeric rating scale ranging from 0 to 5.

RESULTS

The authors observed that patients treated with a supplementary bolus of methylprednisolone (group B ) had a statistically significant reduction of all postoperative symptoms as compared with patients of group A (* P < 0.05, ** P <0.01 Fig. 1 ).

CONCLUSION

The study highlighted that the additional bolus of methylprednisolone improved all of the 6 parameters investigated by the questionnaire submitted to patients, resulting in a faster recovery and improvement of the patient's compliance with surgery. Further studies with a larger population are needed to confirm preliminary results.

The use of corticosteroids in the lateral sinus augmentation surgical procedure: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

The lateral maxillary sinus augmentation (MSA) procedure has good predictability in terms of the success of bone regeneration with a low incidence of postoperative infections, estimated between 2% and 5.6%. Although the use of antibiotics is an established and standardized prophylactic measure for MSA procedures, the addition of corticosteroids still varies among clinician preference and clinical judgment.

PURPOSE

The aim of this systematic review was to identify whether the administration of corticosteroids during the MSA surgical procedure affects postoperative symptoms including swelling, pain, and infection rate.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search through PubMed, EMBASE, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science indices, according to PICO criteria, was conducted to identify whether MSA peri-operative use of corticosteroids reduces the incidence of complications and patient morbidity. A single arm meta-analysis was performed due to the lack of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing groups treated with or without peri-operative corticosteroids. The intracluster correlation co-efficient (ICC) and design effect were calculated to adjust for the clustering design.

RESULTS

In the 37 studies included, a total of 1599 patients (378 Cort, 1221 No-Cort) were analyzed. Before and after taking account of clustering, there was statistically significant effect of corticosteroids on swelling, pain, wound dehiscence, trismus, and hematoma. The complication rates postoperatively were comparable between the two study groups, however slight differences existed in the incidence of active suppuration (1.7% [95% CI 0.7-3.9] Cort vs. 3.2% [2.2-4.5] No-Cort), wound dehiscence (3.9% [1.3-11.2] Cort vs. 2.1% [1.0-4.1] No-Cort) and trismus (2.7% [0.8-8.4] Cort vs. 1.4% [0.8-2.5] No-Cort).

CONCLUSIONS

Although the event rate of the 1-to-2-week postoperative complications did not differ between the two groups, the lack of conclusive data and research comparing peri-operative corticosteroid use makes it impossible to draw definitive conclusions and more evidence and studies designed for this specific purpose are needed.

Physiotherapeutic Reduction of Orofacial Pain Using Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field and Light-Emitting Diode Therapy—A Pilot Study

Introduction. Pain is a natural response of the body to injury and one of the symptoms defining an inflammatory reaction. It is almost always present after orthognathic surgeries (OGS), but its severity is subjective in each patient. Postoperative care of the patient is aimed at minimizing of postoperative pain relief orofacial region. Options of physiotherapy include extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF EMF) and high-energy light-emitting diode (LED). Aim of the Study. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of physiotherapy combining ELF EMF and LED to reduce pain of the orofacial region in patients after OGS. Material and Methods. The study was conducted in thirty-two patients who underwent OGS to treat morphological defects. The participants were randomly divided into two groups: Physiotherapy group (PT) and Control group (CG). In both groups, patients were prescribed Paracetamol and nonsteroidal analgesics (NSAID—ibuprofen). Patients from the PT group additionally received postoperative physiotherapy immediately after leaving the surgical clinic in the form of ELF EMF and LED therapy. Physiotherapeutic treatments were performed for 10 days, three applications a day, at no cost to the patient. Pain intensity was assessed using the visual analogue scale (VAS), which is a reliable instrument for the measurement of pain intensity self-reported by the patient. Results. Faster reduction of pain was the major observation made in patients who received physiotherapy treatments. In all subjects, after 5 days of therapy, the pain intensity was reduced by about 50% or resolved completely. Effects of therapy were measured with the relative changes in the pain intensity score, showing what fraction of the initial pain was eliminated at the first stage and throughout the whole therapy. The analysis of relative changes instead of absolute changes allowed us, among other things, to eliminate the bias of the higher initial pain intensity in the CG group compared to the PT group. Conclusions. The conducted research revealed that the combined use of ELF EMF and LED is beneficial in the reduction of pain of patients after OGS. The analgesic effects of physiotherapy in the treatment after OGS are necessary to continue research in this area and analyze the possibility of extending the indications for its use in other surgically treated maxillofacial diseases.

The efficacy of intralesional dexamethasone versus intravenous dexamethasone in surgery for impacted third molars: A randomized controlled trial

Objectives:

A randomized prospective double-blind study was conducted to determine the efficacy of sub-mucosal local infiltration vs. intravenous dexamethasone in reducing postoperative pain, swelling and trismus after surgical removal of impacted mandibular third molars.

Materials and Methods:

Forty five patients were included in the study and were randomly divided into three groups. Each group consisted of 15 patients for which the first and second groups were given 8 mg of dexamethasone intrlesionally & intravenously respectively, at 30 minutes prior to surgery; the third group served as control. Duration of facial swelling was evaluated subjectively by the patients themselves. Severity of postoperative pain was quantified by counting the number of analgesics taken by the patients during and after surgery (six subsequent days). Postoperative trismus was determined by measuring the maximum incisal opening before surgery and on the seventh day.

Results:

Results showed that duration of postoperative edema was almost the same in the three test groups. During surgery, the intravenous dexamethasone group showed a significantly lesser pain than the other two groups; the intralesional dexamethasone group showed less marked pain than the control group. Additionally, patients who had taken steroids had a marked increase in the incisal opening postoperatively over the control group. Trismus was significantly reduced in the methylprednisolone group as compared to the dexamethasone group.

Conclusion:

It is concluded that both preoperative local infiltration and intravenous administration of dexamethasone significantly reduced postoperative pain and trismus after surgical removal of mandibular third molars. An intravenous dexamethasone is more effective in reducing postoperative inflammatory sequelae than its intralesional route.

The Impact of the Use of Kinesio Taping Method on the Reduction of Swelling in Patients After Orthognathic Surgery: A Pilot Study

BACKGROUND Orthognathic surgery (OGS) is associated with extensive surgical intervention within the soft and hard tissues of the facial region of the skull leading to inflammatory reactions. The presence of postoperative swelling indicates the accumulation of exudate or transudate; both these fluids occur in surgery. Massive swelling is a significant problem, because the tension of tissues intensifies pain sensations. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the kinesio taping method (KT) in patients after orthognathic surgery in the area of the facial skull in terms of eliminating postoperative swelling. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study of the impact of kinesiology tape applied after orthognathic surgery to the craniofacial area on the elimination of swelling was performed in sixteen patients who suffered from this complication after bilateral sagittal split osteotomy. RESULTS The swelling was shown to be reduced after KT; within the same study the differences were statistically significant between the left and right sides and for the same side (p<0.05). The application of the lymphatic kinesio taping method led to the reduction of tension in the affected area and restoration of proper lymphatic circulation in the region covered by swelling. This allows for the improvement of the blood and lymph microcirculation and activation of self-healing processes. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of the impact of the practical use of the lymphatic KT on complications after orthognathic surgery revealed that it had a beneficial effect on the reduction of swelling. The use of the KT method seems promising because it is simple to carry out, not traumatic, economical and rarely causes undesirable allergies.

The influence of dexamethasone on postoperative swelling and neurosensory disturbances after orthognathic surgery: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND

Orthognathic surgery is associated with considerable swelling and neurosensory disturbances. Serious swelling can lead to great physical and psychological strain. A randomized, prospective, controlled clinical trial was realized in order to evaluate the effect of a preoperative intravenous dexamethasone injection of 40 mg on postoperative swelling and neurosensory disturbances after orthognathic surgery.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients (27 male and 11 female) patients, all with the indication for an orthognathic surgery, were enrolled in this study (mean age: 27.63 years, range: 16-61 years) and randomly divided into two groups (study group/ control group). Both groups underwent either maxillary and/or mandibular osteotomies, resulting in three subgroups according to surgical technique (A: LeFort I osteotomy, B: bilateral sagittal split osteotomy (BSSO), C: bimaxillary osteotomy). The study group received a single preoperative intravenous injection of 40 mg dexamethasone. Facial edema was measured by 3D surface scans on the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 14th and 90th postoperative day. Furthermore, neurosensory disturbances on the 2nd, 5th, 14th and 90th postoperative day were investigated by thermal stimulation.

RESULTS

Facial edema after LeFort I osteotomy, BSSO and bimaxillary osteotomy showed a significant decrease in the study group compared to the control group (P = 0.048, P = 0.045, P < 0.001). The influence of dexamethasone on neurosensory disturbances was not significant for the inferior alveolar nerve (P = 0.746) or the infraorbital nerve (P = 0.465).

CONCLUSIONS

Patients undergoing orthognathic surgery should receive a preoperative injection of dexamethasone in order to control and reduce edema. However, there was no influence of dexamethasone on reduction of neurosensory disturbances.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

DRKS00009033 .

Perioperative Systemic Corticosteroids in Orthognathic Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

PURPOSE

Perioperative systemic corticosteroids are broadly used in orthognathic surgery to prevent postoperative complications, but it is unclear whether this practice is beneficial and concerns about potential side effects have been raised. The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to assess the effects of perioperative systemic corticosteroids on clinically important outcomes in patients undergoing orthognathic surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The authors conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effect of systemic corticosteroids in orthognathic surgery compared with placebo or any other intervention. The authors searched Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, Lilacs, Scopus, and Web of Science and references of included trials. The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative reintubation during the index hospitalization. The secondary outcomes were hospital length of stay, decreases in facial edema, and adverse events. Data were summarized using Mantel-Haenszel random-effects models.

RESULTS

Of the 1,098 trials retrieved, 8 were included (n = 234). No trial evaluated the risk of postoperative reintubation. One trial evaluated the duration of hospital stay and showed no difference associated with the intervention. There was a decrease in facial edema with the use of systemic corticosteroids (n = 80; standardized mean difference, -1.07; 95% confidence interval, -1.99 to -0.16; I² = 67%). Three trials reported side effects, such as postoperative surgical site bleeding, hypersensitivity, and stomach discomfort with intake of corticosteroids. The 8 trials had an unclear risk of bias.

CONCLUSION

The authors observed no evidence of effect of systemic corticosteroids on the risk of reintubation and hospital length of stay in orthognathic surgery. Although facial edema decrease was observed to be improved with the intervention, adverse effects were inconsistently screened and reported. Thus, the use of systemic steroids in orthognathic surgery is not supported by strong evidence.

Intravenous lidocaine for effective pain relief after bimaxillary surgery

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the analgesic effect of intravenous lidocaine on postoperative pain in bimaxillary surgery.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Between July 2015 and November 2015, 52 consecutive patients that underwent bimaxillary surgery were recruited to the present study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups: group L (1.5 mg/kg bolus and 2 mg/kg/h continuous infusion during the operation) and group C (normal saline). To measure pain intensity, a visual analog scale (VAS) was used at 2, 4, 8, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Rescue ketorolac use was measured in the first 4, 4-8, 8-24, and 24-48 h after surgery. Total ketorolac consumption (the sum of rescue and eight-hourly fixed schedule ketorolac injection), WBC count, neutrophil count, and postoperative swelling were recorded.

RESULTS

There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to demographics. VAS pain scores were significantly lower in group L compared with group C up to 8 h after surgery. Rescue ketorolac use up to 8 h after surgery and total ketorolac consumption were significantly lower in group L than in group C. Postoperative WBC and neutrophil counts were significantly decreased in group L. Compared with group C, the amount of calibrated postoperative swelling was lower in group L.

CONCLUSIONS

Systemic lidocaine infusion during bimaxillary surgery reduces postoperative pain, analgesic consumption, and facial swelling.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

Systemic lidocaine is simple, economic, and a safe procedure reducing pain and soft tissue swelling after bimaxillary surgery.

A randomized clinical trial of the effects of submucosal dexamethasone after surgery for mandibular fractures

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of immediate postoperative submucosal dexamethasone administration on postoperative pain, edema, trismus, and mandibular functions after open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) for mandibular fractures.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective, randomized, controlled, double-blind study of 40 patients who required ORIF for mandibular fractures under general anesthesia. The patients were divided into 2 groups, an experimental group (n = 20) who received immediate postoperative submucosal 8 mg of dexamethasone through the surgical incision site, and a control group (n = 20) who did not receive dexamethasone. Pain was assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS) score and the frequency of analgesic consumption at the various postoperative intervals. The maximum interincisal distance and facial measurements were compared before surgery and at 24, 48, and 72 hours and 7 days after surgery. The difficulty in mandibular function after surgery was graded as mild, moderate, or severe.

RESULTS

The analgesic drugs required 2 hours after surgery and the VAS score 72 hours after surgery were significantly less (P < .05) in the experimental group than in the control group. The total number of diclofenac tablets required by the experimental group was less than that for the control group, but the difference was not statistically significant. The control group had significantly increased swelling (P < .05) compared with the experimental group from preoperatively to 24 hours postoperatively (experimental group 0.115 ± 0.143, control group 0.253 ± 0.173). No statistically significant difference was present in the mouth opening or difficulty in mandibular function at the different follow-up intervals between the 2 groups (P > .05).

CONCLUSION

The results of our study suggest that submucosal administration of dexamethasone after ORIF for mandibular fractures is effective in reducing postoperative pain and edema.

Comparison of Efficacy of Methylprednisolone Injection into Masseter Muscle Versus Gluteal Muscle for Surgical Removal of Impacted Lower Third Molar

PURPOSE

To compare the efficacy, advantages and disadvantages of the use of preoperative injection of methylprednisolone into masseter muscle versus gluteal muscle to minimize postoperative swelling after the surgical removal of lower third molar.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A prospective randomized study was planned comprising of 10 subjects, undergoing elective surgery for bilateral impacted lower third molar removal with similar severity index. The subjects were randomly assigned into two groups-group I who received intrabuccal masseteric injection and group II who received gluteal injection of 40 mg of methylprednisolone after inferior alveolar nerve and long buccal nerve block (prior to the surgical removal of the impacted lower third molars). We evaluated the postoperative pain, trismus, swelling, advantages and disadvantages of the injection techniques. Statistical analysis was done using student t test.

RESULTS

Ten patients of mean age 27 ± 6 years were selected for the study including six males and four females. The mean age was 27 years (SD 6). The differences in measurements of preoperative and postoperative pain, swelling and mouth opening between group I and group II were not statistically significant.

CONCLUSION

The study evidently proves that there is no statistically significant difference between the intrabuccal approach of masseteric injection and gluteal injection of methylprednisolone in terms of pain, swelling and trismus following surgical removal of impacted lower third molars. However, the intrabuccal approach of masseteric injection was found to be more convenient when compared to gluteal injection, for the surgeon as well as the patient. It also has an additional advantage of being a painless steroidal injection on an anesthetized injection site.

Strategies used to inhibit postoperative swelling following removal of impacted lower third molar

Postoperative swelling following different surgical strategies is an area of great interest. The main part of literature on the topic deals with swelling after extraction of low impacted third molar. In this review, we have analyzed publications of the last 20 years with a pubmed search using the following key words: impacted third molar, swelling third molar, wisdom tooth, edema jaw, corticosteroids and extraction third molar, antibiotic prophylaxis and tooth extraction. Attention has often been focused on corticosteroid therapy administered by diverse routes (orally, IV, IM, topically) and at different time schedules (before or after surgery or both). This investigation revealed how the use of different molecules and dosages makes the obtained results hardly comparable. Similar conclusions can be drawn from studies aimed at evaluating the efficacy of antibiotic therapy administered either before or after surgery. A complete review has also to take into account different surgical strategies used including various flaps, no traumatic osteothomy, and primary or secondary closure. The use of pharmacological therapy and application of an ice pack is critical in the postoperative period and has always provided positive results. However, even if it is difficult to come to definite conclusions, due to the variability of the design of studies analyzed, the postoperative discomfort identified with edema, pain and trismus following wisdom tooth removal is influenced by various factors such as the difficulty of the surgical procedure involved, age and gender of the patient, and experience of the surgeon. The pharmacological therapy when performed with corticosteroids seems to improve control of the postoperative swelling related with this kind of surgeries.

Perioperative corticosteroid reduces hospital stay after fronto-orbital advancement

Facial swelling is common after fronto-orbital advancement. Edema and closure of the palpebral fissures can lead to prolonged hospitalization. The purpose of this study was to determine if perioperative corticosteroid shortens hospital stay after this procedure.We retrospectively studied consecutive children younger than 2 years who underwent primary fronto-orbital advancement between 1990 and 2008. Patients were categorized into 2 groups: group 1 patients were not given corticosteroid; group 2 patients received tapered perioperative dexamethasone. Primary outcome variables included length of hospital stay and infection rate.A total of 161 patients were included in the study. Hospitalization was significantly shorter (P = 0.008) for group 2 (n = 65; median duration, 3.0 d) than group 1 (n = 96; median duration, 5.0 d). Infection rates did not differ between groups (group 1, 2.1%; group 2, 1.5%; P = 0.8).Perioperative corticosteroid shortens hospitalization after fronto-orbital advancement without increasing the incidence of postoperative infection. The cost of postoperative hospital care was reduced by 27.2%.

Corticosteroid administration in oral and orthognathic surgery: a systematic review of the literature and meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This study evaluated the effect of corticosteroid (CS) administration on edema, analgesia, and neuroregeneration in conjunction with surgical dental extraction, orthognathic surgery, and the risk of developing side effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A systematic search of the literature was made. The primary predictor variable was CS administration and the outcome variables were edema, pain, and infection. A meta-analysis was performed. The risk of other side effects was evaluated through a simple review.

RESULTS

In oral surgery, most clinical trials showed a significant decrease in edema (P < .0001) after CS, and local injection of methylprednisolone > or =25 mg was expected to result in a significant decrease in edema. Regarding the analgesic effect, several clinical trials showed a decrease in pain after CS (P < .0001). Further, CS administration resulted in a slightly higher risk of infection (relative risk, 1.0041), but with a P value of .89. CS could be administered with no increased risk of infection. In orthognathic surgery, methylprednisolone > or =85 mg administered intravenously seemed sufficient to produce a significant decrease in edema, and several trials pointed toward a neuroregeneration effect, but no statistical analysis could be performed. Regarding the risk of other side effects, in oral surgery, a minimal risk of chronic adrenal suppression was seen; in orthognathic surgery, an elevated risk of avascular osteonecrosis, steroid-induced psychosis, and adrenal suppression was seen. There were no reports of decreased healing.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest that the administration of CS in oral surgery decreases edema and pain significantly, with no higher risk of infection and with a minimum risk of other side effects.

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

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.

Efficacy of methylprednisolone injected into the masseter muscle following the surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars

The aim of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of methylprednisolone, as a single 40-mg dose, injected into the masseter muscle upon completion of extraction of impacted lower third molars. A prospective, randomized cross-over study was made of 35 healthy patients. The difficulty of extraction was similar in all cases. The study group received 40 mg of methylprednisolone injected into the masseter muscle via the intrabuccal approach, immediately after suturing of the surgical wound. The control group received no intramuscular corticoid. Evaluations were made of postoperative pain, trismus and swelling. Oral aperture was measured, along with the following distances for the assessment of swelling: tragus-lip commissure, gonion-lip commissure and gonion-external canthus of the eye, before and 2 and 7 days after surgery. The patients administered methylprednisolone showed superior results after surgery in terms of oral aperture, pain and all the facial swelling parameters, with statistically significant differences versus the controls (p<0.05). The results obtained show that 40 mg of methylprednisolone injected into the masseter muscle in the immediate postoperative period reduces swelling, trismus and pain.

Efficacy of methylprednisolone in controlling complications after impacted lower third molar surgical extraction

INTRODUCTION

Impacted third molar extraction causes considerable swelling in the days immediately following surgery. The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the efficacy of methylprednisolone as a single 40-mg intramuscular dose in controlling the complications of impacted lower third molar surgical removal.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-five patients were evaluated within the framework of a consecutive sampling and double-blind study with intrasubject measurements. Extraction comprised ostectomy with tooth sectioning of both lower third molars under local anesthesia. The study group received 40 mg of methylprednisolone injected into the gluteal region, while the controls received no such medication. In each individual one molar was randomly assigned to the study group and the other to the control series - with extraction of the two teeth being spaced 1 month apart. Evaluations were made of postoperative pain, trismus and swelling, and measurements were obtained for oral aperture and various distances (tragus-lip commissure, gonion-lip commissure and gonion-external canthus of the eye) before surgery and 2-7 days after extraction. Statistical correlations were made based on the Student t-test for the comparison of means of related samples.

RESULTS

A statistically and clinically significant association was observed 2 days after surgery between methylprednisolone administration and increased oral aperture and diminished facial swelling. Likewise, less pain was recorded in the study group 6 h after surgery.

CONCLUSION

The results confirm the efficacy of methylprednisolone in providing a more comfortable postoperative course after surgical extraction of impacted lower third molars.

Effects of different corticosteroids on edema and ecchymosis in open rhinoplasty

A double-blind, randomized trial with placebo control was planned to evaluate the effects of corticosteroids (betamethasone, dexamethasone, methylprednisolone) in approximately equivalent doses (8 mg dexamethasone/day), and to compare their effects with that of tenoxicam, an antiinflammatory drug, on both the edema and ecchymosis in open rhinoplasty with osteotomies. For this study, 40 patients were divided randomly into five groups of 8 patients each, which received, respectively, betamethasone (group 1), dexamethasone (group 2), methylprednisolone (group 3), tenoxicam (group 4), and placebo (group 5). Open rhinoplasty with osteotomies was performed by the same surgeon with the patient under general anesthesia. Drugs were administered just before the induction of anesthesia and continued for 3 days. Only acetaminophen was used to control postoperative analgesia. Digital photographs of each patient were taken on postoperative days 1, 3, and 7. Scoring was performed separately for eyelid swelling and ecchymosis by three observers independently using a graded scale from 0 to 4. No statistically significant differences existed among the five groups in terms of age, sex, duration of surgery, amount of bleeding, and intravenous fluid administration during the surgery. On postoperative days 1, 3, and 7, no differences in the levels of ecchymosis or edema among the steroid groups, the tenoxicam group, and the control groups were observed. In conclusion, the authors observed no significant differences among the different kinds of steroids administered in equivalent doses (8 mg dexamethasone/day). Steroids used in these doses were not effective in preventing or reducing edema and ecchymosis after open rhinoplasty with osteotomies. Tenoxicam also was not effective. No complications caused by the use of steroids were observed during the 6-month follow-up period.

Perioperative dexamethasone reduces post-surgical sequelae of wisdom tooth removal. A split-mouth randomized double-masked clinical trial

The effect of endo-alveolar and sub-mucosal administration of dexamethasone sodium phosphate to prevent inflammatory sequelae after surgical removal of lower third molars was studied. Forty-three patients underwent bilateral extractions of lower third molars and were randomly assigned to receive either dexamethasone 4 mg (group A) or 10 mg (group B) as endo-alveolar powder or 10 mg as sub-mucosal injection (group C) unilaterally. The controlateral site served as control and did not receive any steroid administration. Facial edema, trismus and pain perception were evaluated at the 2nd and 7th postoperative day. A multivariate analysis revealed that treatment and ostectomy time were both significantly positively associated with the degree of postoperative trismus and edema. Other baseline classification variables (e.g., molar classification) were also predictive of the degree of change in all clinical parameters. Test sites treated (any steroid application) showed greater reductions in all clinical parameters recorded compared to control. No statistically significant differences were observed between the three test groups. Both sub-mucosal and endo-alveolar administration of dexamethasone are effective in reducing postoperative sequelae of surgical removal of lower wisdom teeth.

Steroid-induced psychosis complicating orthognathic surgery: A case report

Psychosis is an uncommon but well-recognised complication of short-term corticosteroid administration. We report a case of steroid-induced psychosis subsequent to a bimaxillary osteotomy.

Anesthetic concerns of external maxillary distraction osteogenesis

BACKGROUND

External maxillary distractions present additional anesthetic concerns to the existing complexity of the patient with craniofacial disorder. The distraction hardware is rigidly fixed to the cranium and projects in the frontofacial midline, thus limiting oronasal airway access.

METHODS

A review of 16 patients (10 male, 6 female) having external maxillary distraction was done. Patients with patent tracheostomies were excluded. In all cases, the same type of external distraction device was used (R.E.D., K.L.S. Martin, Jacksonville, FL, USA). Perioperative records were reviewed for medical history; operative diagnosis, presence of airway disease, tracheostomy, laryngoscopy grade, use of fiberoptic bronchoscope, procedure, operative time, use of intraoperative steroid, day of postoperative extubation, and need for reintubation were documented.

RESULTS

The study group was subdivided into two diagnostic categories: those with syndromic craniosynostosis (n = 9) and those with cleft lip/palate (CLP) (n = 7). Patients in the craniosynostotic group had grade 1 laryngoscopy views, with the exception of a single patient with Crouzon syndrome who had a grade 3 view. This was the only patient who required fiberoptic intubation. One patient with Apert syndrome required reintubation (48 hours after surgery); successful extubation was done 96 hours later. In the cleft lip/palate group, all patients had grade 1 laryngoscopic views, except one with a grade 3 view; no patient required fiberoptic intubation. Six of the seven patients were extubated immediately after surgery, with one patient extubated the next day. No patient experienced failure of extubation.

CONCLUSIONS

External maxillary distraction minimally affects anesthetic management provided certain safeguards are observed. The vertical bar can be left attached to the cranial portion of the distractor, or it can be removed for extubation or reintubation. Removal of the vertical bar allows unobstructed direct laryngoscopy. This emphasizes the importance for the emergent availability of the appropriate screwdrivers and wire cutters to remove the vertical bar and trained personnel to perform the removal.

Use of hand-held laser scanning in the assessment of facial swelling: a preliminary study

A new generation lightweight, hand-held, laser surface scanner (FastSCAN) was validated and clinically evaluated for the assessment of postoperative facial swelling. The potential sources of error-scanner error, registration error, and repositioning and movement error were established for laser scans of a mannequin head and seven volunteers. For the mannequin head the mean (S.D.) volume of the simulated swelling was 12.5 (0.5) cm3. The measurement error was therefore about 4%, and reflected the error in scanned data and in surface registration. Among the volunteers, repositioning of the head introduced additional errors of up to 7.6 cm3 (mean 1.8 cm3), illustrating the additional influence of variable positions. We then scanned 20 patients (9 women and 11 men, age range 18-26) before and 2 days after, third molar removal. The external, facial soft tissue volume changes were calculated for both left and right sides (range 0.2-64.3 cm3). The main source of inaccuracy was again variability of position. Despite this, the FastSCAN proved to be a simple, accurate, and non-invasive method of measuring postoperative changes in volume in the external, soft tissues of the face. Minimising variability in position by using more precise positioning techniques will increase the accuracy of this technique and is a focus for future work.

Reducing Complications in Cervicofacial Rhytidectomy by Tumescent Infiltration: A Comparative Trial Evaluating 678 Consecutive Face Lifts

Tumescent infiltration has been widely used in body-contouring surgery to facilitate dissection and reduce blood loss. Although its use in facial surgery has been suggested, there are presently no comparative studies of its efficacy. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term outcome in a large series of consecutive face lifts performed with and without tumescence. During a 6-year period, 678 consecutive face lifts were performed: 449 without tumescence and 229 with tumescent infiltration using 200 ml on each side of the face. The spectrum of techniques included the extended superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) procedure, the lateral SMASectomy, the extended supraplatysmal plane lift, and the cutaneous face lift. Complications, such as hematoma, skin necrosis, alopecia, and scar quality, were compared between groups using Fisher's exact test. The use of tumescent infiltration facilitated dissection, particularly in the neck. Postoperative swelling and bruising were reduced in the tumescent group. In comparisons of major complications between groups, no difference was seen in hematoma rate (p > 0.5), although the incidence of other complications was significantly reduced by tumescent infiltration. Significant reduction was observed in the rate of skin necrosis (p = 0.03), alopecia (p = 0.006), hypertrophic scarring (p = 0.001), stretched scarring (p = 0.003), and scar revision (p < 0.001). This is the first comparative study of tumescent infiltration in facial rejuvenation surgery. Tumescence made dissection easier and significantly reduced the incidence of troublesome complications. The surgical technique and aesthetic implications for rejuvenation surgery are discussed.

Effect of Steroids on Edema, Ecchymosis, and Intraoperative Bleeding in Rhinoplasty

A double-blind, randomized study was designed to determine the efficacy of dexamethasone in decreasing periorbital edema and ecchymosis after rhinoplasty. Sixty rhinoplasty patients undergoing hump resection and lateral osteotomy were included in the study and were divided into 6 groups: group 1 (n = 10), single dose of 8 mg intravenous (IV) dexamethasone 1 hour before the operation; group 2 (n = 10), single dose of 8 mg IV dexamethasone at the beginning of the operation; group 3 (n = 10), 3 doses of 8 mg IV dexamethasone 1 hour before the operation, and 24 and 48 hours after the operation; group 4 (n = 10), 3 doses of 8 mg IV dexamethasone at the beginning of the operation, and 24 and 48 hour after the operation; group 5 (n = 10), 3 doses of 8 mg IV dexamethasone immediately after the operation, and 24 and 48 hours after the operation; group 6 (n = 10), control, no dexamethasone administration before or after the operation. Intraoperative blood loss was recorded for each patient. Patients were evaluated at 24 hours and days 2, 5, 7, and 10. For the postoperative evaluation of periorbital ecchymosis and edema, a scale of 0 to 4 points was used. There was no significant difference between groups in terms of bleeding (P > 0.05). In the groups using steroid before osteotomy, edema and ecchymosis were significantly lower during the first 2 days compared with the control group (P < 0.05). No significant difference was seen between groups 1 and 2. When patients were evaluated on day 5, edema and ecchymosis were significantly lower in groups 3 and 4 (P < 0.05) compared with other groups, but there was no difference between them. Group 5 had a significantly higher level of edema and ecchymosis compared with groups 1 through 4 at 24 hours and at days 2, 5, and 7 (P > 0.05). There was no significant difference between groups on day 10. In conclusion, if the first dose is given before osteotomy, triple-dose steroid application is the best bet for decreasing postoperative edema and ecchymosis. None of the patients had any complications related to the use of dexamethasone.

Tumescent steroid infiltration to reduce postoperative swelling after craniofacial surgery

Steroids are often administered to paediatric craniomaxillofacial patients perioperatively to reduce postoperative facial swelling, although there is little evidence of their efficacy. Preoperative tumescent infiltration using 7 ml x kg(-1) of a solution consisting of 0.1 mg x ml(-1) triamcinolone acetate, 0.0125% bupivacaine, 0.025% lignocaine, 3 units x ml(-1) hyaluronidase and 1:1000000 adrenaline in Hartmann's solution was evaluated from a retrospective case controlled study of patients undergoing standard fronto-orbital remodelling for simple craniosynostosis (n = 20). Eye closure (i.e. inability to open the eyes) was used as a marker for severe facial swelling. Patients receiving the tumescent infiltration demonstrated significantly less eye closure (P < 0.005), implying that the tumescent infiltration had a significant effect on facial swelling. The avoidance of eye closure allowed more effective monitoring for neurological and ophthalmological complications, which is a significant clinical benefit. The infiltration solution has the advantage of a lower corticosteroid dose than previously reported dexamethasone-based perioperative regimens, thereby minimising any unwanted metabolic effects. The technique is advocated for the reduction of postoperative facial swelling in craniomaxillofacial surgical patients.

A review of perioperative corticosteroid use in dentoalveolar surgery

OBJECTIVES

Dental surgeons are often advised to use corticosteroids during and after third molar removal and other dentoalveolar surgery to reduce postsurgical edema, but recommendations for use are rarely accompanied by definitive guidance regarding the type of steroid, dosage, or duration of administration. Many regimens in use appear to be based on anecdotal information from articles in the 1960s and 1970s and might be subtherapeutic. Few regimens have been updated with data from more recent studies, and well-designed comparison studies are lacking.

STUDY DESIGN

In this article, the literature from the past 30 years is reviewed, meaningful findings are highlighted, and available data are used as a basis for formulating interim clinical recommendations for corticosteroid use pending the emergence of more evidence-based data. A meta-analysis of data was not performed.

RESULTS

Recent data suggest that perioperative corticosteroid regimens should be administered in higher doses and for longer durations than recommended in the past and should be started before surgery for optimum benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the literature review, interim recommendations for the use of corticosteroids are proposed, including dosages and regimens that appear rational for oral, intramuscular, or intravenous corticosteroid administration before and after extractions and other dentoalveolar surgery. These largely empiric recommendations might require adjustment when evidence-based data become available in future studies. There is a great need for well-designed clinical research to further evaluate protocols for corticosteroid use.

Effects of single-dose steroid usage on edema, ecchymosis, and intraoperative bleeding in rhinoplasty

To examine the effects of single-dose dexamethasone use on edema, ecchymosis, and intraoperative bleeding in rhinoplasty, a double-blind, randomized trial with placebo control was planned. A total of 55 consecutive patients were included in the study. The dexamethasone (10 mg) was given intravenously just before surgery (preoperative group, n=18) or at the end of surgery (postoperative group, n=20). In the placebo group, 17 patients received saline preoperatively or postoperatively. Intraoperative blood loss was recorded for each patient. Postoperative scoring of eyelid swelling and ecchymosis was begun after approximately 24 hours and lasted into postoperative day 9. Only for the first 2 days was the difference between steroid groups (preoperative and postoperative) and the placebo group statistically significant for a decrease in eyelid edema (p < 0.05). A statistically significant difference in upper eyelid ecchymosis for both preoperative and postoperative steroid groups versus the placebo group also existed in the first 2 days (p < 0.05). Preoperative or postoperative steroid administration had no influence on the ecchymosis of the lower eyelid. When the results of the preoperative and postoperative steroid groups were compared, no significant difference was detected between the two groups in either edema or ecchymosis. To determine whether steroid use shortened the recovery period, the days on which edema and ecchymosis reached a minimum level were compared among the groups; no statistically significant difference was found among them. Using single-dose dexamethasone preoperatively did not alter intraoperative blood loss. Use of single-dose dexamethasone (either preoperatively or postoperatively) in rhinoplasty has a significant effect in decreasing upper and lower eyelid edema and upper eyelid ecchymosis for the first 2 days when compared with a placebo group. However, the effect of dexamethasone was lost after the first 2 days, and its use did not shorten the recovery period.

Determination of the anti-inflammatory effects of methylprednisolone on the sequelae of third molar surgery

PURPOSE

The anti-inflammatory effect and adrenal suppressive side effect of methylprednisolone sodium succinate (MP) on the postoperative sequelae of third molar surgery were evaluated using objective methods in a double-blind, crossover study.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Twenty patients who were to undergo surgical removal of bilateral, symmetrically placed lower third molars were studied. Each patient was given 125 mg MP intravenously before surgery on one side, and a placebo before surgery on the opposite side on a random basis. Ultrasonographic and computed tomographic examinations were performed to determine the amount of facial edema. Trismus was evaluated by measuring maximal interincisal opening, and pain was evaluated by recording the number of standard analgesic tablets used on the day of surgery and the first postoperative day. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function was tested by measuring basal plasma cortisol (hydrocortisone) levels preoperatively and postoperatively. The adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) stimulation test also was performed before and after administration of MP, to evaluate adrenal function.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis of the data indicated a significant decrease in edema, trismus, and pain in the MP group. Plasma cortisol levels showed a nonsignificant decrease in both the MP- and placebo-treated groups. The ACTH stimulation test indicated normal HPA axis function before and after MP administration. No clinically apparent infection, disturbance of wound healing, or other corticosteroid-related complications were noted. Eighteen patients (90%) indicated a preference for the overall postoperative course when MP was used.

CONCLUSION

In the absence of contraindications for corticosteroid administration, preoperative use of MP appears to be a safe and effective method of reducing postoperative complications in third molar surgery.

Randomized prospective study of the influence of steroids on postoperative eye-opening after exploration of the orbital floor

OBJECTIVE

To find out if giving steroids reduces postoperative swelling in orbital surgery.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.

SETTING

Regional unit, teaching hospital, UK.

SUBJECTS AND INTERVENTIONS

20 patients who require orbital floor exploration after injuries. Patients were given methylprednisolone 250 mg (or placebo identically packaged) at induction of anaesthesia, with a further three doses at 6-hourly intervals postoperatively.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Differences in interpalpebral width before and after operation.

RESULTS

Those given steroids (n=11) had a significantly increased interpalpebral width compared with placebo (n=9) postoperatively (P < 0.01, 95% confidence intervals of the difference = 1 mm-6 mm).

CONCLUSION

Short courses of steroids therapy should be considered in orbital surgery for appropriate patients. There is an advantage in being able to assess the globe postoperatively.

Is there a rationale for the drugs used in hair transplantation surgery?

BACKGROUND

Various medications may be used before, during, or after hair transplantation surgery (HTS) with the aims of maximizing patient comfort, reducing unwanted side effects, and improving the results of HTS.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this study were to determine the current practice pattern and rationale for drug prescribing by a group of leading hair transplant surgeons and to review the literature for the evidence upon which these prescribing patterns were based.

METHODS

A postal questionnaire was sent to 16 hair transplant surgeons from the United States and Canada, and the answers were analyzed. The relevant evidence-based literature concerning HTS was reviewed by medicine search.

RESULTS

Questionnaires suitable for analysis were received from 14 of the surgeons. There were many differences in the pattern of prescribing drugs for the HTS procedure. There was general agreement about the use of local anesthetics but no consensus about the withholding of agents that might increase bleeding; the use of pre- and postoperative analgesics; the use of topical and systemic antibiotics; the use of corticosteroids; or minoxidil. Randomized controlled studies relating to these issues for HTS were not identified in the literature.

CONCLUSION

A lack of consensus exists about the drugs used in HTS based on a lack of evidence-based medicine.

Steroid Use in Rhinoplasty: An Objective Assessment of Postoperative Edema

The objective of this study was to measure the effect of a single, preoperative 10 mg dose of dexamethasone on postoperative edema associated with rhinoplasty. This was a randomized, double-blind prospective study conducted in a military academic tertiary referral center. Twenty men, aged 18 to 45 years, were enrolled in the study over 28 months. All 20 men underwent rhinoplasty with osteotomy. Preoperative magnetic resonance imaging scans were obtained on the morning of surgery and postoperative scans were obtained within 48 hours. Postoperative edema was quantified as the difference in soft tissue thickness (mm) between the pre- and postoperative scans. Contrary to our expectations, the rhinoplasty patients who received dexamethasone had increased postoperative edema (p<0.02) when compared to patients not receiving dexamethasone. This is the first objective, double-blind study that shows an increase in postoperative edema after rhinoplasty with a single preoperative dose of dexamethasone.

Perioperative morbidity in maxillofacial orthopaedic surgery: a retrospective study

The data of 2049 patients, who underwent maxillofacial orthopaedic surgery, were retrospectively analysed for major intra- and immediate postoperative complications. Immediate life-threatening complications were very rare. They can in most cases be avoided by good anaesthetic and surgical techniques and adequate postoperative care. The most frequently encountered problem in maxillary surgery is excessive blood loss, whilst a compromised airway due to swelling is the most frequent complication in mandibular surgery. Good co-operation between anaesthetist and surgeon is essential to prevent major intraoperative and immediate postoperative problems.

[Do corticotherapy and hemodilution decrease postoperative inflammation after maxillofacial surgery?]

OBJECTIVE

To assess the efficiency of corticosteroids and preoperative acute normovolaemic haemodilution (PANHD) in reducing postoperative inflammation after maxillofacial surgery.

STUDY DESIGN

Randomized clinical trial.

PATIENTS

Thirty-two patients scheduled to undergo maxillary osteotomy for facial dysmorphia were randomized into four groups of eight (PANHD or not; corticosteroids or not).

METHODS

PANHD decreased haematocrit to 30%. In the corticosteroid groups, methylprednisolone 1.5 mg.kg-1 was given intravenously at the beginning of surgery (after PANHD in haemodiluted group), and after surgery, 1.5 mg.kg-1 iv daily for three days. Postoperative inflammation was assessed with an X-Ray technique (radiotelemetry) providing data on tissue thickness (extent of facial oedema), and by measurement of plasma concentrations of four acute phase proteins during the first postoperative week.

RESULTS

No change in facial oedema and in acute phase proteins occurred with PANHD. Corticosteroids decreased postoperative oedema and acute phase proteins.

CONCLUSION

Corticosteroids decrease postoperative inflammation after maxillofacial surgery but not PANHD.

Acute normovolaemic haemodilution does not reduce the inflammatory process induced by facial surgery

The place of preoperative acute normovolaemic haemodilution (haematocrit = 28%-32%) in reducing postoperative inflammation was evaluated after facial surgery. Thirty-two patients scheduled for mandibular osteotomy were randomized to a nonhaemodiluted group or to a haemodiluted group. The degree of postoperative inflammation was evaluated: first by an x-ray technique (radiotelemetry) providing measurements of the tissue thickness (quantitation of facial oedema), and second by the measurement of four acute phase protein plasma concentrations during the first postoperative week. Throughout the study, no changes in facial oedema or in variation of acute phase proteins were detected after haemodilution. It is concluded that acute normovolaemic haemodilution has no effect on the intensity of facial oedema and the biological inflammation process after facial surgery.