Benefits of dexamethasone use in thyroid surgery: A prospective, randomized study

Abstract

Introduction/Objective. This study aimed to investigate the effects of preoperative dexamethasone usage on the incidence and severity of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), postsurgical pain and vocal impairment after thyroid surgery. Methods. We performed a prospective, randomized, double blind study with 50 patients who underwent thyroid surgery. Group A patients (n = 25) received 0.9% NaCl solution (2 ml) before anesthesia, patients in Group B (n = 25) were administered dexamethasone 8mg. All patients received ondansetron 4 mg preoperatively. During the first 48 hours after surgery, postoperative complications were monitored in defined periods. Results. PONV rate and severity was significantly lower in Group B than in Group A (p < 0.05). Patients in Group B reported less pain in resting and in activity (p < 0.05) and lower vocal impairment (p < 0.05) than patients in Group A in each defined time period. Conclusion. Preoperatively adding dexamethasone to ondansetron is more effective than usage of ondansetron alone in the prevention of PONV. Dexamethasone significantly reduces the pain and improves voice function; therefore, we could advise the routine usage of single dose dexamethasone before thyroid surgery.