The Effects of Intravenous Nalbuphine on the Posttonsillectomy Pain in Children

Jo, Dae Hyun; Park, Jae Gan; Kim, Myoung Hee

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Tonsillectomy is one of the most common operation in children. Postoperative pain and its sequelae are universal complaints of the patients. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of nalbuphine on the posttonsillectomy pain in children.
METHODS
Fifty-four pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy under general anesthesia were randomly allocated to one of the 3 groups 1) control group who received no analgesics, 2) received IV nalbuphine before induction of anesthesia and 3) received IV nalbuphine after both tonsillectomy, In postanesthetic recovery room, comfort level in all patients was assessed using the objective pain scale (OPS). Systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured at just before and immediately after extubation and postanesthetic recovery room.
RESULTS
The pain scale score in group 2 was significantly lower than group 1, but no significantly different with group 3. There were no significant differences in blood pressure among three groups. The heart rate in group 2 and 3 was significantly lower than group 1 only at immediately after arriving recovery room.
CONCLUSIONS
Administration of nalbuphine before induction is more effective on postoperative pain control after tonsillectomy in children.