Randomized prospective study of the influence of steroids on postoperative eye-opening after exploration of the orbital floor.
OBJECTIVE
To find out if giving steroids reduces postoperative swelling in orbital surgery.


METHODS
Prospective, randomized, double-blind trial.


METHODS
Regional unit, teaching hospital, UK.


METHODS
20 patients who require orbital floor exploration after injuries. Patients were given methylprednisolone 250 mg (or placebo identically packaged) at induction of anaesthesia, with a further three doses at 6-hourly intervals postoperatively.


METHODS
Differences in interpalpebral width before and after operation.


RESULTS
Those given steroids (n=11) had a significantly increased interpalpebral width compared with placebo (n=9) postoperatively (P < 0.01, 95% confidence intervals of the difference = 1 mm-6 mm).


CONCLUSIONS
Short courses of steroids therapy should be considered in orbital surgery for appropriate patients. There is an advantage in being able to assess the globe postoperatively.
Flood
T R
TR
Odstock Centre for Plastic and Maxillofacial Surgery, Salisbury District Hospital, Wilts, UK.
McManners
J
J
el-Attar
A
A
Moos
K F
KF
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D019882:Blepharoplasty; D016001:Confidence Intervals; D005143:Eyelids / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000503:physiopathology; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D006801:Humans; D008775:Methylprednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009915:Orbit / Q000601:surgery*; D009917:Orbital Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011446:Prospective Studies; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D008775:Methylprednisolone