Objective:

To evaluate the role of intra-operative hydrocortisone and post-operative dexamethasone on reducing post-operative complications following major surgeries involving oral cavity as in oral and maxillofacial surgeries performed under general anesthesia.

Methodology:

The post-surgical stress induces changes in metabolic and endocrinal pathways and also results in activation of inflammatory pathways. Post-operative administration of steroids helps in blocking all the stages of inflammatory process. This study was conducted on a group of 20 patients undergoing major surgical procedures. These patients were administered a combination of intra-operative hydrocortisone and post-operative dexamethasone therapy. Efficacy of these drugs in reducing post-operative complications was evaluated, using parameters like post-operative pain, number of analgesic injections, edema, sore throat, nausea and vomiting.

Results:

A 70% mean reduction in pain was seen on 2nd post-operative day and a drastic 97% pain reduction was noted on 4 th post-operative day. An overall 12 mm reduction in swelling was noted over the span of 4 days of hospital stay. Post-operative administration of dexamethasone helped in reduction of sore throat up to 95% on 2nd post-operative day. A remarkable finding noted was, that, none of the patients developed nausea and vomiting post-operatively.

Conclusion:

Surgeries done in and around the oral cavity are mostly prone to contamination as presence of saliva, bacteria, contaminants from stomach flora through acid reflux and post-operative events like vomiting, pollute the surgical site. A single intra-operative dose of hydrocortisone followed by post-operative tapered administration of dexamethasone helps in combating almost all of the post-operative complications after major oral and maxillofacial surgical procedures and hence hastens healing of surgical site.

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