Safety of Nebulized Ciprodex for Postoperative Management of Tracheal Resection

Abstract

ObjectiveAnastomotic complications after tracheal resection/cricotracheal resection (TR/CTR), such as granulation tissue formation, can lead to severe morbidity. The off‐label use of nebulized ciprofloxacin‐dexamethasone (Ciprodex) for granulation tissue prophylaxis has anecdotally been used after TR/CTR, especially in pediatric patients. However, its use in the adult population, and its safety and side effect profile post‐TR/CTR has not been reported. This study aims to characterize the incidence of adverse side effects associated with nebulized Ciprodex in post‐TR/CTR patients.MethodsA retrospective review of all patients who underwent TR/CTR from June 2015 to July 2023 was performed. The use of nebulized Ciprodex (1 mL ciprofloxacin‐dexamethasone 0.3%–0.1% otic suspension in 4 mL normal saline) while inpatient was evaluated. Potential side effects were defined as oral thrush, ageusia, arthralgia, and allergic reaction, and were recorded for all patients.ResultsSeventy‐three patients underwent TR/CTR from June 2015 to July 2023. Of these, 53 (72.6%) had documented Ciprodex administration during their postoperative course. One (1.9%) patient reported at least one side effect, including one instance of skin rash (1.9%) and one instance of allergic reaction (1.9%). There were no other side effects attributed to Ciprodex use.ConclusionsThe incidence of side effects related to the use of nebulized Ciprodex is felt to be minimal in post‐TR/CTR. Although Ciprodex may have the potential to treat granulation tissue in the airway, further studies are needed to verify its efficacy and safety.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 2024