Randomized prospective study of the influence of steroids on postoperativeeye-opening after exploration of the orbital floor

Objective: To find out if giving steroids reduces postoperative swelling in orbital surgery. Design: Prospective, randomized, double blind trial. Sett ing: Regional unit, teaching hospital, UK, Subjects and interventions: 20 p atients who require orbital floor exploration after injuries. Patients were given methylprednisolone 250 mg (or placebo identically packaged) at induc tion of anaesthesia, with a further three doses at 6-hourly intervals posto peratively, Main outcome measure: Differences in interpalpebral width befor e and after operation, Results: Those given steroids (n=11) had a significa ntly increased interpalpebral width compared with placebo (n=9) postoperati vely (P < 0.01, 95% confidence intervals of the difference = 1 mm-6 mm). Co nclusion: Short courses of steroids therapy should be considered in orbital surgery for appropriate patients. There is an advantage in being able to a ssess the globe postoperatively.