[Meta-analysis of steroids in reducing postoperative edema in rhinoplasty]

To investigate the clinical effect of steroids on reducing postoperative edema in rhinoplasty.

Cochrane, Medline data, Pubmed date, were searched and updated on October 2013. Randomized controlled trials(RCTS) studies were included to assess the efficacy of steroids on decreasing postoperative edema after rhinoplasty. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated, and date analyses were performed using the Cochrane Collaboration's software RevMan 5.2.

A total of 4 RCTS involved 172 patients with rhinoplasty, including 87 patients in the experimental group( steroid) and 85 paitents in control group (placebo). Meta analysis results showed the edema in experimental group was significantly less than that in the control group on postoperative day 1 and 3 (P < 0.01), while the difference was not significant on postoperative day 7 (P = 0.19).

Perioperative application of steroid in rhinoplasty can significantly reduce periorbital edema in the first postoperative day. The edema can completely be relieved after application of steroid for 3 days. It is a safe and effective way to reduce the postoperative edema.