Post-Tonsillectomy Pain Relief Among Adults

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of dexamethasone to reduce  post-tonsillectomy pain in adult.

Patients and Methods:  A total of 120 patients were enrolled who underwent to tonsillectomy under general anesthesia and divided randomly into two equal  groups, dexamethasone group and placebo group. This study was conducted in OtoRhinoLaryngology Department, Al-thawra Teaching Hospital, Sana'a, Yemen. During the period January 2016 to January 2018.

The patients asked to visit the outpatient clinic on 3rd, 6^th, and 9^th day post operation.

Results: Females were 52.5% and males 47.5%. On the third day, the severe pain was not detected in the treated group, however, it detected in 50% of the placebo group. There was statistically significant difference between two groups. On the 6th day the severe pain occurred in 36% of treated group and 71.7% in the placebo group. There was a statistically significant difference. On the 9^th day the severe pain detected in 33.3% of treated group and 41.6% of placebo group non statistically significances difference.

Conclusion: Dexamethasone locally injection was led to reducing post-tonsillectomy pain over a period of 9 days ,especially on third and sixth days.