Postoperative behavioral changes in children after adenoidectomy.
BACKGROUND
Pain is a common complaint after adenoidectomy. Behavioral changes after adenoidectomy in children have been reported, and it has been concluded that postoperative pain significantly affects the occurrence of behavioral changes. Behavioral changes, when a proactive pain treatment has been used, have not been systematically studied.


OBJECTIVE
To assess postoperative behavioral changes in children who have undergone day-case adenoidectomy with proactive pain treatment.


METHODS
Prospective, longitudinal, randomized clinical trial.


METHODS
Ambulatory Care Unit, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland.


METHODS
Three hundred consecutive children, aged 1 to 10 years, who underwent day-case adenoidectomy during 1999 through 2000.


METHODS
In the hospital, 213 children received the first dose of ketoprofen before surgery and 87 children received the first dose at discharge. For pain treatment after discharge, patients were given ketoprofen tablets or suppositories on a regular basis for 72 hours.


METHODS
The number of postoperative behavioral changes were evaluated with 3 consecutive questionnaires, at baseline before surgery, 1 week after surgery, and 3 weeks after surgery.


RESULTS
A total of 294 questionnaires (98%) were returned after 1 week and 255 questionnaires (85%) after 3 weeks. Most children (91%) had pain after discharge and the mean for pain cessation was 3 days (range, 0-8 days). The mean of ketoprofen doses after discharge was 6 (range, 1-24 doses). Most of the children showed no or only trivial postoperative behavioral changes, and, furthermore, at 3 weeks, more positive than negative changes were reported. The child's age was a significant factor (P<.05) in affecting behavioral changes for all domains. Other significant factors were the worst pain at rest (P =.04) and during swallowing (P =.02) for daytime function disturbances, and fear of separation from parents (P =.03) for sleep disturbances.


CONCLUSIONS
Day-case adenoidectomy with proactive pain treatment seems to result in a negligible incidence of behavioral troubles in children.
D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000367:Age Factors; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007660:Ketoprofen / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000150:complications* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011446:Prospective Studies
D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D007660:Ketoprofen