On postoperative day0, the main investigator opened labeled envelopes of
the patient groups that were pre-generated by computer. Sucralfate was
prescribed only to the randomized experimental group for 14 days. All
patients in Sucralfate group were instructed to use 1 sachet (5ml) of
Sucralfate suspension (1g/5ml) to rinse and held within the mouth for 2
minutes before swallowing every 6 hours. Patients were instructed to
store Sucralfate at room temperature, without refrigeration for maximal
drug efficacy. Same oral hygiene care with normal saline was instructed
and standard postoperative treatment was administered to both groups.
Wound assessment was done at day0, 7, and 14 by measuring the maximal
length of the wound in cm and taking a picture for wound grade
assessment (Figure1). Wound maximal length was measured by the main
investigator using a plastic ruler. All pictures were taken with same
digital camera, calibrated with a 2 cm round mirror in the monitor
screen.
Wound grade adapted from PUSH score [7] was
collected using a Google Form questionnaire that included wound
pictures. Four otolaryngologists, blinded to patient grouping status
were asked to assess wounds. In the event of any discordant score, final
score were resolved through consensus discussion among the assessors.
Adverse reactions and comments regarding drug administration were
collected at the end of study.