Pain-relieving effect of local steroid injection in uvulopalatopharyngoplasty

An analytical prospective study was performed to determine the post-operative pain-relieving effect of local steroid suspension injection in uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. From February 2000 to October 2000, 48 adult patients from 20 to 67 years of age, were scheduled to receive uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Triamcinolone acetonide (Kenacort A) was injected onto the raw surface of the left-sided tonsillar fossa and left-sided soft palate after tonsillectomy and uvulopalatopharyngoplasty. Other preoperative and post-operative medications including antibiotics, anesthesia and surgical techniques were standardized. Visual analog scales were used to assess the level of pain sensation on the left and right side of the throat daily from day 0 (Operative day) to post-operative day 10. A paired t-test showed significant differences in post-operative pain level between the study side (left) and the control side (right) at day 2, day 4, and in the overall analysis (p < 0.05).