Effect of peritonsillar prilocaine infiltration on post-tonsillectomy pain in pediatric population

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of peritonsillar prilocaine in post-tonsillectomy pain by using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Materials and Methods: A total of 40 pediatric patients were included in this study. There were 20 patients in the prilocaine group (Group 1) and 20 patients in the control group (Group 2). In Group 1, peritonsillar prilocaine infiltration was performed. In Group 2, peritonsillar saline infiltration was performed. VAS scores of at the postoperative 1st, 4th, 12th and 24th hours and on the 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and 7th days were evaluated. In addition, the presence of nausea and vomiting and the number of additional doses of intravenous paracetamol administered in the first 24 hours were evaluated. Results: When the groups were compared, a significant reduction in post-tonsillectomy pain was observed in the prilocaine group at the 1st, 4th and 12th hours compared to the control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in other scores. There was no significant difference between the groups for nausea and vomiting and consumption of paracetamol values. Conclusion: Peritonsillar prilocaine infiltration was effective in post-tonsillectomy pain at the 1st, 4th and 12th hours postoperatively. Thus, peritonsillar prilocaine infiltration can be used in post-tonsillectomy pain because it is fast and effective.