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Do Steroids Really Work?

Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001;127:1009-1010.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common otolaryngologic procedures performed. Unfortunately, it can be associated with a prolonged and difficult postoperative recovery; postoperative vomiting has been reported in up to 75% of patients. Return to normal activities and oral intake can take up to 2 weeks. Therefore, attempts have been made to both minimize anesthetic adverse effects and improve the postoperative course. For example, Telian et al¹ reported a decrease in posttonsillectomy symptoms with the use of intraoperative ampicillin and postoperative amoxicillin.

Figure appears in full text version. Sally R. Shott, MD

Treatment with intraoperative steroids may be another way to reduce the postoperative morbidity associated with tonsillectomy. Dexamethasone treatment has prolonged antiemetic effects when added to chemotherapy. It costs less than the antiemetic agents commonly given with a general anesthesia.

However, on review of the articles presented in Dr Heatley's analysis, I do not believe that the efficacy of perioperative steroid use has been established. . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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