A clinical evaluation of the efficacy of montelukast in alleviating postoperative nasal congestion after bimaxillary orthognathic surgery.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of oral montelukast administration on postoperative nasal congestion following orthognathic surgery.

METHODS

Patients who underwent bimaxillary orthognathic surgery were enrolled in this triple-blind clinical trial. Rhinomanometry testing was performed to assess postoperative nasal congestion. Each patient received a 10 mg tablet of montelukast 1 hour before surgery and daily for 1 week thereafter, in comparison to a placebo group. After 1 week, rhinomanometry testing was conducted for both groups to evaluate postoperative nasal congestion. For statistical analysis, the significance level was set at 5%, using paired and independent t tests.

RESULTS

A total of 44 patients with an average age of 26.98 ± 4.78 years were included. The average postoperative nasal airflow during both inhalation and exhalation was significantly higher in the montelukast group (P < .001). Additionally, the mean postoperative nasal resistance during both inhalation and exhalation was significantly lower in the montelukast group (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

Oral administration of montelukast appears to be effective in reducing nasal congestion following orthognathic surgery.