Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Nebulized ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone represents an adjuvant medication utilized following airway surgery. However, minimal objective information exists on this treatment, especially over more extended periods. This study measured the safety, tolerability, and adherence to nebulized ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone utilized in the outpatient setting after endoscopic airway surgery for adult patients. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. SETTING: Single-institution academic center. METHODS: All patients with laryngotracheal stenosis managed by a single surgeon from 2021 to 2024 who underwent endoscopic airway surgery were included. Patient demographics, stenosis etiology, comorbidities, and ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone prescriptions were documented. Ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone dose, duration of treatment, adherence, tolerability, and side effects were collected. Potential side effects evaluated included allergic reactions, postoperative infections and pneumonia, and Cushingoid symptoms. RESULTS: Sixty-nine adult patients underwent endoscopic airway surgery to treat laryngotracheal stenosis, and fifty-nine were prescribed nebulized ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone postoperatively. Fifty-two patients (88.1%) filled their prescription and utilized this treatment regimen. Importantly, over 90% (47/52) of this cohort completed the prescribed four-week regimen. Four patients (7.7%) experienced temporary side effects, which dissipated after discontinuation: two altered taste/smell, one nausea/chills, and one blurry vision. No significant complications were reported. CONCLUSION: Nebulized ciprofloxacin-dexamethasone is a safe and tolerable treatment for adult patients after endoscopic airway surgery. The majority of patients were able to obtain, adhere to, and successfully utilize this medication in the outpatient setting. This study represents an important step in understanding the tolerability of this adjuvant treatment regimen.