Michael L. Hinni, MD

“Endoscopic transoral surgeons have used corticosteroids for years before, during, and after transoral operations to prevent presumptive airway edema and to reduce the risks of tracheostomy,” commented one of the session co-moderators, Michael L. Hinni, MD, Chair of the Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery and Professor of Otolaryngology at the Mayo Clinic College of Medicine in Phoenix. “This is in addition to the known benefits of reducing postoperative nausea, vomiting, and pain, as found in the anesthesia literature.”

“Dr. Clayburgh’s study is a first attempt to quantify the value of this [extended corticosteroids] to reduce surgical edema and speed functional recovery,” he said in an interview. “Many more numbers and an exploration of optimal timing and dose are all needed, but I applaud the authors for bringing the issue for consideration.” ■

Disclosure: Dr. Hinni reported no potential conflicts of interest.