A study to assess the effects of a single preoperative dose of steroid on thyroidectomy

Abstract

Background: On thyroidectomy, incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, severe pain with local inflammation and voice impairment was very common. These effects can be manipulated by the use of steroids. Hence the present study, was conducted with the objective to evaluate the effects of a single preoperative dose of dexamethasone on thyroidectomy in terms of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), pain and voice improvement.Methods: The present study was conducted between October 2010 and March 2011 at the Department of General Surgery, Government Medical College, Kottayam, Kerala, India. A total of 72 patients were included in the study after meeting requirements of inclusion criteria. They were divided into two groups. 37 were under Group C and received normal saline and remaining 35 served as Group D and received 8 mg/2 mL of dexamethasone preoperatively. Post-operative incidences of nausea and vomiting, pain scores, and the improvement of vocal function were compared in both groups.Results: Out of 72 patients, most of the patients participated were under the age group of 40-50 years (30.6%). Of them 9 were males and 63 were females. The incidence and severity of PONV and pain was significantly reduced in Group D compared to Group C with P values of 0.001 and 0.056 respectively. Significant protection of dexamethasone towards vocal function was not observed in the study (p =0.245).Conclusions: From the results obtained in the study, it was concluded that preoperative single dose administration of dexamethasone seemed to be safe in healthy patients undergoing thyroidectomy.