Comparing Cold/Liquid Diet vs Regular Diet on Posttonsillectomy Pain and Bleeding

Abstract

Objective Tonsillectomy is a common operation; however, there are controversial opinions regarding the posttonsillectomy diet. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of cold/liquid diet vs regular diet on posttonsillectomy pain and bleeding. Study Design Prospective randomized controlled trial. Setting Tertiary referral center. Subjects and Methods In total, 194 children who underwent tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) were randomly allocated into 2 groups. A total of 100 patients were allocated in the cold/liquid diet, and 94 patients were allocated in the regular diet group. Pain score was recorded for the first 7 days, and rate of hemorrhage was recorded for 10 days after surgery. Results The participants' age range was 3 to 17 years. The mean pain score level in the regular diet group after breakfast, lunch, and dinner was not statistically significant in comparison with the cold/liquid diet group. One patient in the regular diet group was admitted to the hospital due to secondary bleeding, but it stopped without any intervention. Conclusion Most otolaryngologists believe in dietary restrictions following tonsillectomy. However, there is much controversy regarding posttonsillectomy dietary advice in the literature. In addition, only a few randomized clinical trials have focused on this subject. We found that there was no difference between regular diet and cold/liquid diet in terms of posttonsillectomy pain and bleeding. Hence, we do not recommend a limited posttonsillectomy diet.

Comparison of celecoxib and acetaminophen for pain relief in pediatric day case tonsillectomy: A randomized double‐blind study

“…We defined “the return to regular diet” as resuming the regular amount of Iranian traditional diet as similar as the preoperative period, in two consecutive days. Regarding temperature and texture, the Iranian regular diet is comparable to other regular diets in all of the world 24 …”

“…Regarding temperature and texture, the Iranian regular diet is comparable to other regular diets in all of the world. 24 …”

Nutritional Management of Pediatric ENT Infections

“…Dietary intervention could enhance children's quality of life after tonsillectomy surgery aiming to minimize the complications of pain and bleeding in the following days. The two most common dietary advice approaches regarding post-tonsillectomy are either following a diet of liquids and/or soft foods or continuing with the regular diet of children right away after the operation without imposing any dietary restrictions [78]. The disadvantages of consuming liquids solely are higher incidence rate of emesis, and feeling of restriction; however, avoiding solid foods might decrease the risk of postoperative pain, infections, and bleeding.…”

To Diet (Cold/Liquid) or Not for Posttonsillectomy Pain

“…I read with great interest the article by Faramarzi et al 1 in the October 2018 issue of this journal. In their study, they concluded that “there was no significant correlation between different types of posttonsillectomy diet and postoperative pain.…”

“…. Hence, we were able to conclude that a limited posttonsillectomy diet should not be advised.” 1 They performed a prospective randomized controlled trial of 194 children who were allocated into a cold/liquid diet group vs regular diet posttonsillectomy. Pain was assessed via a visual analog scale and recorded by the parents.…”