Effect of i.v. dexamethasone on postoperative dizziness, nausea and pain during canal wall-up mastoidectomy.

Abstract

CONCLUSION:

Prophylactic i.v. administration of 10 mg of dexamethasone reduced postoperative dizziness and nausea without adverse effects in patients undergoing canal wall-up mastoidectomy, but did not reduce postoperative pain.

OBJECTIVE:

To investigate the efficacy of dexamethasone in reducing postoperative dizziness, nausea and pain in patients undergoing canal wall-up mastoidectomy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS:

A prospective, randomized, double-blind study was performed between January 2002 and December 2004. A total of 162 patients (66 males, 96 females) scheduled for canal wall-up mastoidectomy were enrolled and randomly assigned to receive either i.v. dexamethasone (10 mg in 2 ml) or i.v. placebo (2 ml of normal saline) during mastoidectomy. A standard general anesthetic technique was employed throughout the surgical procedure. At 3, 6 and 24 h after surgery, patients completed questionnaires regarding postoperative dizziness, nausea and pain, with their responses being given on a visual analog scale.

RESULTS:

There were no postoperative complications in either group. Compared to the placebo group, the dexamethasone group showed reduced postoperative dizziness and reduced nausea (p<0.05 for both) at 24 h postoperatively. Compared to the placebo group, dexamethasone had no effect on postoperative pain.

• Authors: Joong Ho Ahn, Mi Ra Kim, Ki Hyung Kim
• Journal: Acta oto-laryngologica (Acta Otolaryngol) Vol. 125 Issue 11 Pg. 1176-9 (Nov 2005) ISSN: 0001-6489 [Print] England
• PMID: 16353395 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Chemical References

• Antiemetics
• Dexamethasone

Topics

• Adolescent
• Adult
• Anesthesia, General
• Antiemetics (administration & dosage)
• Chronic Disease
• Dexamethasone (administration & dosage)
• Dizziness (drug therapy)
• Double-Blind Method
• Ear Canal (surgery)
• Female
• Humans
• Infusions, Intravenous
• Male
• Mastoid (surgery)
• Middle Aged
• Otitis Media (surgery)
• Pain Measurement
• Pain, Postoperative (drug therapy)
• Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (drug therapy)
• Treatment Outcome
• Tympanoplasty (methods)