Background & Aims: Dexametasone is used as a replacement therapy for opioids in ‏ reducing post tonsillectomy pain. This study was aimed to assess the effect of dexamethasone on reduction of pain and vomiting and the onset of oral intake after tonsillectomy.

  Material & Methods: This study was conducted on s ixty 4-12 year-old patients scheduled for tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy in the present double blinded randomized clinical trial in two equal groups (control and study). Immediately after induction of anesthesia, the study group received dexamethasone (0.15mg/kg) and the control group received equal volume of normal saline. The patients’ pain intensity and the presence or absence of vomiting were measured and recorded 30 minutes in the recovery room and 1 hour after surgery. In the ward after 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours, intensity of pain, occurrence of vomiting, onset time oral intake and systemic analgesic consumption were measured and recorded.

  Results: Pain intensity (based on CHEOPS) at the times, half-hour, 1, 2 and 4 hours after surgery in the study group was lower than the control group. (p< 0.05) Statistical analysis showed significant differences between study and control groups related to the frequency of vomiting. (P=0.035) The mean onset time of oral intake in study group was 3.56 hours and in control group was 4.44 hours which was statistically significant. (P = 0.001)

  Conclusion: Accordingly, intravenous dexamethasone before tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy in children reduces pain intensity up to 8 hours after surgery and reduces the occurrence of vomiting and onset time of oral intake.

 SOURCE: URMIA MED J 2015: 26(1): 63 ISSN: 1027-3727