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.