Post-tonsillectomy pain management in pediatric patients-a review

Abstract

Tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure performed in the pediatric age group. Although tonsillectomy is a safe surgery, it is associated with significant post-operative pain. Analgesia after tonsillectomy is often inadequate. Severe post-tonsillectomy throat pain has been described for more than a decade. Parents often worry for handling the pain of their children in home. Post-tonsillectomy pain is often considered as a long lasting and intense in nature. Post-tonsillectomy pain in children is an important problem which overstrains the patient, family and hospital staff. Post-tonsillectomy pain in children is an important problem which overstrains the patient, family and hospital staff. Regulatory alteration in the analgesic armamentarium, particularly in pediatric patients are making the treatment of post-tonsillectomy pain more difficult. Post-tonsillectomy pain in pediatric patients continues to be highly debated clinical issue and also an area of active research. Post-tonsillectomy pain can result in significant morbidity among pediatric patients. There are several analgesics available; each one has its own risk profile and unique side effects when used in pediatric age group in post-tonsillectomy period. This review article provides an update on recent management of post-tonsillectomy pain in pediatric patients. This article reviews the epidemiology, pathophysiology, impact of post-tonsillectomy pain in children and details of medications used for controlling post-tonsillectomy pain.

Medicolegal issues in otorhinolaryngology: a review

“…Reactionary or secondary haemorrhage may happen following tonsillectomy. 10 Loss of taste sensation may occur following ear surgery by damage to the chorda tympani nerve. Vertigo may occur following ear surgery due to labyrinthine injury.…”

Effectiveness of implementing a standardized perioperative pain management protocol in children undergoing tonsillectomy: A quality improvement project

“…11 When patients develop complications such as airway edema, obstruction, or respiratory depression, their hospital stay is prolonged for monitoring and observation, leading to financial burdens for both the families and the healthcare facilities. 12 To mitigate these complications, the standardization of pain management strategies is essential. Despite numerous studies evaluating medication combinations for postoperative pain management in tonsillectomy patients.…”

“…Complications arising from tonsillectomy can occur immediately following the procedure up to 6 h postoperatively 11 . When patients develop complications such as airway edema, obstruction, or respiratory depression, their hospital stay is prolonged for monitoring and observation, leading to financial burdens for both the families and the healthcare facilities 12 . To mitigate these complications, the standardization of pain management strategies is essential.…”