Efficacy of Sucralfate in Improving Post Operative Outcomes in Palatoplasty Patients: A Prospective Study

Abstract

Background: Palatoplasty is a commonly performed procedure in paediatric population. Adequate wound healing and sufficient pain relief post surgery are the main concerns. Sucralfate has been used as an effective medium to restore the damaged epithelial barrier in cases of tonsillectomy, uvuloplasty and similar surgical procedures.
Materials and methods: Forty patients who underwent palatoplasty in our unit were randomised into 2 groups- sucralfate group and control group. Sucralfate suspension was administered orally for a period of 7 days post operatively and the pain scores, mucosal coverage and the general degree of wellness were measured on each of these days.
Results: Oral pain severity was reduced in the study group and this reduction was statistically significant (p=0.04) between both the groups POD 1 onwards. Mucosal coverage at the surgical site was accelerated and more effective in the sucralfate group. The difference between both the groups was significant POD 2 (0=0.022) onwards. The general degree of wellness between the participants was also statistically significant POD 2 onwards (p=0.04)
Conclusion: Sucralfate is a potent and safe adjunct in improving and accelerating post operative outcomes in paediatric palatoplasty patients.