Pediatric Post-Tonsillectomy Analgesia-Effect of 10% Lidocaine Spray

Lee, Hyun Hwa; Shin, Ok Young; Lee, Doo Ik

Abstract

Post-tonsillectomy pain in children is a difficult problem to manage. We examined the effect of 10% aerosol lidocaine for the post-tonsillectomy analgesia. ASA physical status I or II, between five and thirteen years of age were assigned, in a randomized fashion, into two groups. The Group I, 30 patients, received a total dose of 4 mg/kg of ten percent aerosol lidocaine on the tonsillar beds. Lidocaine was administered at the end of the surgical procedure. The Group II, 30 patients, were not sprayed with lidocaine aerosol. The postoperative pain scores were assessed by a "red and white" visual analoge pain scales (VAPS). VAPS values were obtained at one and eight hours after the operation. Values of one hour after the operation in the group I and II were 20.83+/-10.01 and 34.50+/-10.53, values of eight hours after the operation were 17.33+/-9.07 and 23.5+/-11.08. The post-tonsilectomy pains were significantly lower in the group I compared with the group II at one and edght hours after the operation. In conclusion, 4 mg/kg of ten percent aerosol lidocaine applied directly on the tonsillar beds was showen a superior, immediate post-tonsillectomy analgesic technique.