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

Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol. 2025 Aug;140(2):149-158. doi: 10.1016/j.oooo.2025.01.727. Epub 2025 Feb 7.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Acetates* / administration & dosage
  • Acetates* / therapeutic use
  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Leukotriene Antagonists* / administration & dosage
  • Leukotriene Antagonists* / therapeutic use
  • Male
  • Nasal Obstruction* / drug therapy
  • Nasal Obstruction* / etiology
  • Nasal Obstruction* / prevention & control
  • Orthognathic Surgical Procedures*
  • Postoperative Complications* / drug therapy
  • Quinolines* / administration & dosage
  • Quinolines* / therapeutic use
  • Rhinomanometry
  • Sulfides
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • montelukast
  • Cyclopropanes
  • Sulfides
  • Acetates
  • Quinolines
  • Leukotriene Antagonists