A randomised controlled trial of two analgesic techniques for paediatric tonsillectomy*

Diclofenac for acute postoperative pain in children

BACKGROUND

Many children undergo various surgeries, which often lead to acute postoperative pain. This pain influences recovery and quality of life. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), specifically cyclo-oxygenase (COX) inhibitors such as diclofenac, can be used to treat pain and reduce inflammation. There is uncertainty regarding diclofenac's benefits and harms compared to placebo or other drugs for postoperative pain.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the efficacy and safety of diclofenac (any dose) for acute postoperative pain management in children compared with placebo, other active comparators, or diclofenac administered by different routes (e.g. oral, rectal, etc.) or strategies (e.g. 'as needed' versus 'as scheduled').

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, and trial registries on 11 April 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) in children under 18 years of age undergoing surgery that compared diclofenac (delivered in any dose and route) to placebo or any active pharmacological intervention. We included RCTs comparing different administration routes of diclofenac and different strategies.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard methodological procedures expected by Cochrane. Our primary outcomes were: pain relief (PR) reported by the child, defined as the proportion of children reporting 50% or better postoperative pain relief; pain intensity (PI) reported by the child; adverse events (AEs); and serious adverse events (SAEs). We presented results using risk ratios (RR), mean differences (MD), and standardised mean differences (SMD), with the associated confidence intervals (CI).

MAIN RESULTS

We included 32 RCTs with 2250 children. All surgeries were done using general anaesthesia. Most studies (27) included children above age three. Only two studies had an overall low risk of bias; 30 had an unclear or high risk of bias in one or several domains. Diclofenac versus placebo (three studies) None of the included studies reported on PR or PI. We are very uncertain about the benefits and harms of diclofenac versus placebo on nausea/vomiting (RR 0.83, 95% CI 0.38 to 1.80; 2 studies, 100 children) and any reported bleeding (RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.34 to 26.45; 2 studies, 100 children), both very low-certainty evidence. None of the included studies reported SAEs. Diclofenac versus opioids (seven studies) We are very uncertain if diclofenac reduces PI at 2 to 24 hours postoperatively compared to opioids (median pain intensity 0.3 (interquartile range (IQR) 0.0 to 2.5) for diclofenac versus median 0.7 (IQR 0.1 to 2.4) in the opioid group; 1 study, 50 children; very low-certainty evidence). None of the included studies reported on PR or PI for other time points. Diclofenac probably results in less nausea/vomiting compared to opioids (41.0% in opioids, 31.0% in diclofenac; RR 0.75, 95% CI 0.58 to 0.96; 7 studies, 463 participants), and probably increases any reported bleeding (5.4% in opioids, 16.5% in diclofenac; RR 3.06, 95% CI 1.31 to 7.13; 2 studies, 222 participants), both moderate-certainty evidence. None of the included studies reported SAEs. Diclofenac versus paracetamol (10 studies) None of the included studies assessed child-reported PR. Compared to paracetamol, we are very uncertain if diclofenac: reduces PI at 0 to 2 hours postoperatively (SMD -0.45, 95% CI -0.74 to -0.15; 2 studies, 180 children); reduces PI at 2 to 24 hours postoperatively (SMD -0.64, 95% CI -0.89 to -0.39; 3 studies, 300 children); reduces nausea/vomiting (RR 0.47, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.87; 5 studies, 348 children); reduces bleeding events (RR 0.57, 95% CI 0.12 to 2.62; 5 studies, 332 participants); or reduces SAEs (RR 0.50, 95% CI 0.05 to 5.22; 1 study, 60 children). The evidence certainty was very low for all outcomes. Diclofenac versus bupivacaine (five studies) None of the included studies reported on PR or PI. Compared to bupivacaine, we are very uncertain about the effect of diclofenac on nausea/vomiting (RR 1.28, 95% CI 0.58 to 2.78; 3 studies, 128 children) and SAEs (RR 4.52, 95% CI 0.23 to 88.38; 1 study, 38 children), both very low-certainty evidence. Diclofenac versus active pharmacological comparator (10 studies) We are very uncertain about the benefits and harms of diclofenac versus any other active pharmacological comparator (dexamethasone, pranoprofen, fluorometholone, oxybuprocaine, flurbiprofen, lignocaine), and for different routes and delivery of diclofenac, due to few and small studies, no reporting of key outcomes, and very low-certainty evidence for the reported outcomes. We are unable to draw any meaningful conclusions from the numerical results.

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

We remain uncertain about the efficacy of diclofenac compared to placebo, active comparators, or by different routes of administration, for postoperative pain management in children. This is largely due to authors not reporting on clinically important outcomes; unclear reporting of the trials; or poor trial conduct reducing our confidence in the results. We remain uncertain about diclofenac's safety compared to placebo or active comparators, except for the comparison of diclofenac with opioids: diclofenac probably results in less nausea and vomiting compared with opioids, but more bleeding events. For healthcare providers managing postoperative pain, diclofenac is a COX inhibitor option, along with other pharmacological and non-pharmacological approaches. Healthcare providers should weigh the benefits and risks based on what is known of their respective pharmacological effects, rather than known efficacy. For surgical interventions in which bleeding or nausea and vomiting are a concern postoperatively, the risks of adverse events using opioids or diclofenac for managing pain should be considered.

A scoping review of randomized clinical trials for pain management in pediatric tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy

Objectives

To examine the volume, topics, and reporting trends in the published literature of randomized clinical trials for pharmacologic pain management of pediatric tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy and to identify areas requiring further research.

Data Sources

PubMed (National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health), Scopus (Elsevier), CINAHL (EBSCO), and Cochrane Library (Wiley).

Methods

A systematic search of four databases was conducted. Only randomized controlled or comparison trials examining pain improvement with a pharmacologic intervention in pediatric tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy were included. Data collected included demographics, pain-related outcomes, sedation scores, nausea/vomiting, postoperative bleeding, types of drug comparisons, modes of administration, timing of administration, and identities of the investigated drugs.

Results

One hundred and eighty-nine studies were included for analysis. Most studies included validated pain scales, with the majority using visual-assisted scales (49.21%). Fewer studies examined pain beyond 24 h postoperation (24.87%), and few studies included a validated sedation scale (12.17%). Studies have compared several different dimensions of pharmacologic treatment, including different drugs, timing of administration, modes of administration, and dosages. Only 23 (12.17%) studies examined medications administered postoperatively, and only 29 (15.34%) studies examined oral medications. Acetaminophen only had four self-comparisons.

Conclusion

Our work provides the first scoping review of pain and pediatric tonsillectomy. With drug safety profiles considered, the literature does not have enough data to determine which treatment regimen provides superior pain control in pediatric tonsillectomy. Even common drugs like acetaminophen and ibuprofen require further research for optimizing the treatment of posttonsillectomy pain. The heterogeneity in study design and comparisons weakens the conclusions of potential systematic reviews and meta-analyses. Future directions include more noninferiority studies of unique comparisons and more studies examining oral medications given postoperatively.

Pain Management in Children: NSAID Use in the Perioperative and Emergency Department Settings

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are often used for pediatric pain management in the emergency setting and postoperatively. This narrative literature review evaluates pain relief, opioid requirements, and adverse effects associated with NSAID use. A PubMed search was conducted to identify randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of conventional systemic NSAIDs as pain management for children in the perioperative or emergency department (traumatic injury) setting. Trials of cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitors ("coxibs") were excluded. Search results included studies of ibuprofen (n = 12), ketoprofen (n = 5), ketorolac (n = 6), and diclofenac (n = 4). NSAIDs reduced the opioid requirement in 10 of 13 studies in which this outcome was measured. NSAID use did not compromise pain relief; NSAIDs provided improved or similar pain scores compared with opioids (or other control) in 24 of 27 studies. Adverse event frequencies were reported in 26 studies; adverse event frequencies with NSAIDs were lower than with opioids (or other control) in three of 26 studies, similar in 21 of 26 studies, and more frequent in two of 26 studies. Perioperative and emergency department use of NSAIDs may reduce opioid requirements while maintaining pain control, with similar or reduced frequencies of opioid-associated adverse events.

PROSPECT guideline for tonsillectomy: systematic review and procedure-specific postoperative pain management recommendations

Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures; however, pain management remains challenging. Procedure‐specific efficacy as well as specific risks of treatment options should guide selection of pain management protocols based on evidence and should optimise analgesia without harm. The aims of this systematic review were to evaluate the available literature and develop recommendations for optimal pain management after tonsillectomy. A systematic review utilising preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta‐analysis guidelines with procedure‐specific postoperative pain management (PROSPECT) methodology was undertaken. Randomised controlled trials published in the English language up to November 2019 assessing postoperative pain using analgesic, anaesthetic or surgical interventions were identified. Out of the 719 potentially eligible studies identified, 226 randomised controlled trials met the inclusion criteria, excluding the studies examining surgical techniques. Pre‐operative and intra‐operative interventions that improved postoperative pain were paracetamol; non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs; intravenous dexamethasone; ketamine (only assessed in children); gabapentinoids; dexmedetomidine; honey; and acupuncture. Inconsistent evidence was found for local anaesthetic infiltration; antibiotics; and magnesium sulphate. Limited evidence was found for clonidine. The analgesic regimen for tonsillectomy should include paracetamol; non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs; and intravenous dexamethasone, with opioids as rescue analgesics. Analgesic adjuncts such as intra‐operative and postoperative acupuncture as well as postoperative honey are also recommended. Ketamine (only for children); dexmedetomidine; or gabapentinoids may be considered when some of the first‐line analgesics are contra‐indicated. Further randomised controlled trials are required to define risk and combination of drugs most effective for postoperative pain relief after tonsillectomy.

Cauterization tonsillectomy as compared to traditional tonsillectomy technique

Background:

Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequently applied and oldest surgical procedures in otorhinolaryngology. Various surgical techniques are used to perform this operation including traditional and cauterization techniques.

Objectives:

To assess morbidity and efficacy and compare objectively the techniques in tonsillectomy, i.e., traditional technique and cauterization technique. This study compares the traditional and cauterization tonsillectomy techniques in view of their advantages and complications.

Methods:

This is a retrospective study and comparative study, conducted during the period from January 2017 to March 2018 from the patients attending to Alnamas General Hospital, Aseer Region, Saudi Arabia. The questionnaire was designed to compare the traditional and cauterization tonsillectomy. Fifty patients underwent traditional technique and fifty patients underwent cauterization method. The data analyzed using SPSS V.16.0 (SPSS Inc; Chicago, IL, USA).

Results:

A total of 100 patients, 62 males and 38 females, aged 8 to 16 years were included in the study. A total of 100 patients were enrolled in the study. Traditional and cauterization tonsillectomy were performed. 50 (27 male and 23 female) patients, whose ages ranged from 9 to 16 years old underwent the traditional tonsillectomy, 50 (35 male and 15 female) patients whose ages ranged from 8 to 16 years underwent cauterization. The two groups were similar for demographic parameters. The difference between mean operative times of the two methods was statistically significant. Postoperative bleeding is significantly higher in the traditional technique compared to cauterization method. Postoperative pain is significantly less in cauterization method. Only a few patients experienced fever, bleeding, and other complications related to anesthesia. The bleeding severity is significantly lower in the cauterization technique. Postoperative pain was less in cauterization technique on day 1 and day 5. Postoperative pain was from mild to severe.

Conclusion:

This study revealed significantly less postoperative complications in traditional tonsillectomy in comparison with the cauterization method. Healing time was significantly faster in cauterization technique than in traditional method.

Comparison of Cold Technique Tonsillectomy and Thermal Welding Tonsillectomy at Different Age Groups

The aim of this study is to compare objectively advantages and disadvantages of cold technique tonsillectomy and thermal welding tonsillectomy at the same case. A total of 100 patients, 53 patients younger than 12 years of age and 47 patients elder than 12 years of age, were included in this study. Tonsillectomy was performed by using cold technique on the right side of the palatine tonsils and thermal welding on the left side. Right and left sides were compared regarding perioperative bleeding, surgical dissection time, postoperative pain scale at the 1st and 7th day and postoperative bleeding parameters. Perioperative bleeding was found to be higher in cold technique side in patients younger than 12 years of age (p<0.001). Postoperative pain score on the day 1 was significantly higher in cold technique side, whereas it was found to be higher in thermal welding side at postoperative day 7 (p<0.001). Perioperative bleeding was found to be significantly higher in cold technique side (p<0.001) and surgical dissection time of thermal welding was found to be longer (p<0.001) in patients elder than 12 years of age. Postoperative pain score at the day 1 and day 7 was found to be higher in thermal welding side (p<0.001). Postoperative pain score at the day 1 and day 7 were statistically significantly higher in patients elder than 12 years of age. As a result, both techniques have its unique superior aspects and both can be applied as a routine tonsillectomy technique.

Could acupuncture be an adequate alternative to dexamethasone in pediatric tonsillectomy?

BACKGROUND

Usage of nonpharmacological treatment contributes to an overall patient well-being, assisting in physical and emotional healing. Acupuncture has been reported to be useful in reducing early postoperative vomiting (POV) and attenuating postoperative pain.

AIM

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of dexamethasone vs acupuncture at P6 bilaterally and CV13 on the incidence and severity of POV in children undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy.

METHOD

One hundred and twenty children, ASA I-III aged 2-8 years undergoing elective tonsillectomy were included in this prospective randomized double-blind study. Children were randomly divided into two equal groups (60 each). At induction of anesthesia, the dexamethasone group received 0.15 mg·kg(-1) dexamethasone IV plus sham acupuncture, and the acupuncture group received acupuncture at P6 bilaterally and CV13 plus 2 ml of normal saline IV. Vomiting was recorded at 0-6, 6-24, and 0-24 h postoperatively.

RESULTS

There was no difference in the incidence of vomiting between the acupuncture and dexamethasone groups. The mean difference in time to first oral intake (95% CI) was 4.3 (0.5-8.6) min between dexamethasone group and acupuncture group; P = 0.426. The mean difference in time until first vomit (95% CI) was 12 (9.5-13.8) min between both groups. No significant differences between Kaplan-Meier curves for time until first vomit (log-rank test) were obtained (P = 0.697).

CONCLUSION

Acupuncture at P6 bilaterally and CV13 provided similar antiemetic effect to dexamethasone in children undergoing tonsillectomy.

Dexamethasone and haemorrhage risk in paediatric tonsillectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Summary In children undergoing tonsillectomy, dexamethasone is recommended to reduce the risk of postoperative nausea and vomiting while non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for pain relief. We aimed to determine whether children who receive dexamethasone or dexamethasone with NSAID are more likely to experience haemorrhage post-tonsillectomy. Randomized and non-randomized studies in which children undergoing tonsillectomy received dexamethasone or dexamethasone and NSAID were sought within bibliographic databases and selected tertiary sources. The risk of bias assessment and evaluation of haemorrhage rate data collection and reporting were assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool and McHarm tool. Synthesis methods comprised pooled estimate of the effect of dexamethasone on the risk of haemorrhage rate using the Peto odds ratio (OR) method. The pooled estimate for haemorrhage rate in children who received dexamethasone was 6.2%, OR 1.41 (95% confidence interval 0.89-2.25, P=0.15). There was risk of bias and inconsistent data collection and reporting rates of haemorrhage in many of the included studies. Clinical heterogeneity was observed between studies. The pooled analysis did not demonstrate a statistically significant increase in the risk of post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage with dexamethasone with/without NSAID use in children. However, the majority of the included studies were not designed to investigate this endpoint, and thus large studies which are specifically designed to collect data on haemorrhage rate are needed.

Cost-effectiveness of intravenous acetaminophen for pediatric tonsillectomy

OBJECTIVE

The primary outcome of this study was to examine the cost-effectiveness of the intraoperative combination of intravenous (IV) acetaminophen and IV opioids, versus IV opioids alone, as a part of an inhalational anesthetic technique for tonsillectomy in children.

METHODS

We used Decision Maker® software to construct and analyze a decision analytic model. Base-case and sensitivity analyses were performed. We studied the use of rescue analgesics in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU), adverse effects of acetaminophen and opioids, and costs associated with adverse effects. Costs were in 2013 US dollars, and effectiveness was measured as frequency of avoiding the need for rescue analgesics. Direct medical costs included medication, equipment, supplies, and labor associated with the treatment of adverse events from pain medications. Medication costs assumed single-dose vials.

RESULTS

In the base case, IV acetaminophen in combination with opioids was both less costly ($17.12) and more effective (3.3% fewer rescue events). In sensitivity analyses, the combination strategy remained cost-effective as long as the frequency of rescue analgesic administration was less than that in the opioid-alone strategy. Although medication costs of the combination strategy were higher, the overall costs were less than the competing strategy due to reduced adverse effects and reduced time spent in PACU.

CONCLUSIONS

The routine use of IV acetaminophen as an adjuvant to IV opioids for tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy in children aged <17 years should be considered as a means to reduce the need for rescue analgesia and in turn reduce costs.

Effect of cold-water cooling of tonsillar fossa and pharyngeal mucosa on post-tonsillectomy pain

PURPOSE

Post-tonsillectomy pain is a notable concern and thermal injury produced by electric surgical devices is considered a main cause. Intraoperative cooling of the tonsillar fossa and pharyngeal mucosa with cold water has effectively reduced postoperative pain, but no studies have fully evaluated the effects of this technique with a proper study design. We assessed mucosal cooling in two groups of patients undergoing the same surgical technique by a single surgeon, with one group receiving cold-water cooling and the other group as a control.

METHODS

Forty patients who underwent monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 20 for each group). Group 1 received cooling of the tonsillar fossa and pharyngeal mucosa with 4 °C saline just after removal of each tonsil whereas Group 2 did not receive cooling. Postoperative pain was recorded on operation day and 1, 2, 4, 7, and 10 days postoperatively. Post-tonsillectomy pain, return to normal diet, and incidence of postoperative bleeding were compared between the groups.

RESULTS

Post-tonsillectomy pain on 6 selected days and overall pain during the 10-day follow-up period were significantly lower in Group 1. However, return to normal diet and incidence of postoperative bleeding did not differ significantly between the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative application of cold water after tonsillectomy significantly reduced postoperative pain. We recommend cooling the tonsillar fossa and pharyngeal mucosa with cold water during tonsillectomy to easily and effectively reduce post-tonsillectomy pain.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and perioperative bleeding in paediatric tonsillectomy

BACKGROUND

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are used for pain relief following tonsillectomy in children. However, as they inhibit platelet aggregation and prolong bleeding time they could cause increased perioperative bleeding. The overall risk remains unclear. This review was originally published in 2005 and was updated in 2010 and in 2012.

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of this review was to assess the effects of NSAIDs on bleeding with paediatric tonsillectomy. Our secondary outcome was to establish whether NSAIDs affect the incidence of other postoperative complications when compared to other forms of analgesia.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 10); MEDLINE (inception until October 2012); EMBASE (inception until October 2012); Current Problems (produced by the UK Medicines Control Agency), MedWatch (produced by the US Food and Drug Administration) and the Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletins (to May 2010). The original search was performed in August 2004. We also contacted manufacturers and researchers in the field.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomized controlled trials assessing NSAIDs in children, up to and including 16 years of age, undergoing elective tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

Two authors independently assessed trial quality and extracted the data. We contacted study authors for additional information, where necessary.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 15 studies that involved 1101 children in this updated review. One study was added as a result of our 2012 search, another previously included study was removed due to lack of randomization. Fourteen included studies compared NSAIDs with other analgesics or placebo and reported on bleeding requiring surgical intervention. The use of NSAIDs was associated with a non-significant increase in the risk of bleeding requiring surgical intervention: Peto odds ratio (OR) 1.69 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.71 to 4.01). Ten studies involving 365 children reported perioperative bleeding requiring non-surgical intervention. NSAIDs did not significantly alter the number of perioperative bleeding events requiring non-surgical intervention: Peto OR 0.99 (95% CI 0.41 to 2.40) but the confidence intervals did not exclude an increased risk. Thirteen studies involving 1021 children reported postoperative vomiting. There was less vomiting when NSAIDs were used as part of the analgesic regime than when NSAIDs were not used: Mantel Haenszel (M-H) risk ratio (RR) 0.72 (95% CI 0.61 to 0.85).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

There is insufficient evidence to exclude an increased risk of bleeding when NSAIDs are used in paediatric tonsillectomy. They do however confer the benefit of a reduction in vomiting.

Challenges in paediatric ambulatory anesthesia

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Clinical studies and new guidelines are frequently being published in the area of preoperative fasting. A growing population of patients with obstructive sleep apnea is being referred for outpatient procedures including adenotonsillectomy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recently published preoperative fasting guidelines for pediatric patients are covered along with studies comparing gastric volume following different fasting intervals. Pediatric obstructive sleep apnea is discussed. Clinical presentation, severity, perioperative risks, and controversies as whether outpatient procedures are suitable for these patients are presented. New data covering different perioperative aspects are presented.

SUMMARY

A more liberal preoperative intake is encouraged with fasting for 2 h for clear liquids, 4  h for breast milk, 6  h for formula and light meals, and 8  h for heavy meals is widely accepted. Interpersonal variation in residual gastric volume exists. Children with obstructive sleep apnea under 3 years of age and those with severe obstructive sleep apnea and comorbidities are not candidates for ambulatory surgery. Polysomnography has specific preoperative indications. Dexmedetomidine can decrease emergence agitation and has an opioid-sparing effect. Intravenous acetaminophen is presented as an opioid-sparing analgesic. Dexamethasone is effective in preventing postoperative nausea without increased risk of bleeding. Surgical techniques may affect postoperative pain.

Intraoperative ice pack application for uvulopalatoplasty pain reduction: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Pain after uvulopalatoplasty continues to cause patients significant morbidity, especially from the tonsillectomy portion. The literature describes multiple techniques to reduce post-tonsillectomy pain, none being definitive. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of intraoperative ice pack application on post-uvulopalatoplasty pain.

STUDY DESIGN

Single-blinded, randomized controlled trial.

METHODS

After inclusion and exclusion criteria were met, patients were enrolled and randomized, and subsequently underwent standard electrocautery uvulopalatoplasty. Packs were placed into the tonsillar fossae immediately following tonsil removal and into the palate after the palatoplasty. Patients then completed a questionnaire that evaluated their experience for 10 days following surgery. The primary outcome was pain rated on a visual analog scale. Return to work and return to normal diet were also assessed. T test and Mann-Whitney statistical analyses, as well as routine descriptive statistics, were conducted.

RESULTS

Eighteen subjects were recruited. Patients that received intraoperative cold packs experienced a statistically significant change in VAS average pain [3.4 ± 1.1 cm (p = 0.00001)] when compared with patients receiving room temperature packs. No difference in return to work (p = 0.16) and return to normal diet (p = 0.12) was identified.

CONCLUSIONS

Intraoperative ice pack administration results in significantly reduced pain following electrocautery uvulopalatoplasty.