Effect of steroids on posttonsillectomy pain in adults.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a single intraoperative dose of intravenous dexamethasone has an effect on pain after tonsillectomy.


METHODS
Double-blinded randomized controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
Thirty-four consecutive nonpediatric patients presenting for tonsillectomy.


METHODS
Patients scheduled for electrocautery tonsillectomy were randomized to receive either intravenous dexamethasone or placebo during surgery. Pain was measured twice daily for 10 days by means of a visual analog scale.


RESULTS
There were no statistically significant differences between the groups, but the dexamethasone group had a trend to report less pain over the first several days. The dexamethasone group received less analgesic in the recovery room, but there were no differences between the groups in the 10 days afterward.


CONCLUSIONS
There is evidence that a single dose of dexamethasone reduces pain after tonsillectomy to a small degree. A single dose was not associated with adverse effects, so the risk-benefit ratio may be favorable for this practice.
Carr
M M
MM
Department of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Children's Hospital of Buffalo, NY 14222-2099, USA. mm.carr@utoronto.ca
Williams
J G
JG
Carmichael
L
L
Nasser
J G
JG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D003907:Dexamethasone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005938:Glucocorticoids / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007275:Injections, Intravenous; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012907:Smoking; D014068:Tonsillectomy
D005938:Glucocorticoids; D003907:Dexamethasone