A randomized, prospective trial to assess the safety and efficacy of hilotherapy in patients after orthognathic surgery.

[PURPOSE] A post-operative cooling method in oral and maxillofacial surgery is the cooling with hilotherapy. The aim of this study was the post-operative comparison of cooling temperatures of 18°C and 22°C. The parameters of this trial were swelling and the post-operative pain levels.

[METHODS] This study included 156 patients, divided into two groups among whom a mono-one, bignathic osteotomy or genioplasty was indicated. The post-operative assessment of swelling was performed using a 3D optical scanner. This examination was repeated on post-operative days 1, 2, 3, 7, 14, 30, and 90. The examination on day 90 served as a reference value in respect of swelling and pain.

[RESULTS] Group 1 (18°C, 78 patients) showed an increase in post-operative swelling on the 1 post-OP day of 52.06 ± 35.41ml. The maximum was reached on the 2 post-OP day with 75.82 ± 38.97ml. On the 30 post-OP day, residual swelling measured 11.60 ± 12.62ml. Group 2 (22 °C, 78 patients) showed an increase in postoperative swelling on the 1 post-OP day of 76.07 ± 63.15ml. The maximum was reached on the 2 post-OP day with 106.97 ± 69.63 ml. On the 30 post-OP day, residual swelling measured 14.36 ± 32.26ml. The differences between the two groups and between different visits were statistically significant.

[CONCLUSION] The study results indicate less residual swelling in group 1 on the 30 post-OP day, possible based on the lower cooling temperature. The post-operative pain exhibits a comparable level of pain intensity between the two groups. In overall terms, a subjectively more agreeable treatment was observed in group 1.