[Evaluation of Yunnan Baiyao capsules for reducing postoperative swelling after orthognathic surgery].

[OBJECTIVE] To evaluate the effects of Yunnan Baiyao capsules on facial swelling and anti-inflammatory response after orthognathic surgery.

[METHODS] 87 patients scheduled for Le Fort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split ramus osteotomy (BSSRO) and genioplasty were randomly divided into 2 groups: experiment roup (n = 43) given with Yunnan Baiyao capsules orally 4 days before operation once daily and then via nasal feeding tube after operation once a day for 5 days, and placebo group given with placebo capsules. Antibiotic was routinely given to both groups. Serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and IL-1 were quantified on postoperative days 1, 2, 3, and 5. Degrees of facial swelling were evaluated on postoperative days 3, 5, and 7.

[RESULTS] Peak CRP and cytokines levels were reached on the first postoperative day in both groups, and the the variables decreased. The serum concentrations of CRP and IL-6 in the Yunan Baiyao group were lower than those in the control group. The CRP levels on the postoperative day 2, 3 and 5 of the experiment group were all significantly lower than those of the placebo group, and the IL-6 level on the second postoperative day of the experiment group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group.

[CONCLUSION] Perioperative administration of Yunnan Baiyao capsules can reduce the magnitude of inflammatory response and facial swelling after orthognathic surgery. Yunnan Baiyao capsule has efficacy of anti-inflammatory response.