Duration-related efficacy of postoperative antibiotics following pediatric tonsillectomy: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether a 3-day course of postoperative antibiotics is as effective as a 7-day course in reducing pain and reducing time to resumption of a normal diet and level of activity following pediatric tonsillectomy.


METHODS
A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.


METHODS
Academic medical center.


METHODS
Forty-nine patients were enrolled in the study. Preoperative demographic information was obtained.


METHODS
Tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy was performed by the senior author (J.J.) using electrocautery. Patients were randomized to receive either a 3- or 7-day course of amoxicillin.


METHODS
Parents were asked to record the following information: analgesic use for the first 7 postoperative days, postoperative days the child initiated his or her usual diet and level of activity, and medical treatment for oral hemorrhage or dehydration.


RESULTS
Of the 49 patients, 26 were randomized to receive 7 days of postoperative antibiotics (group A) and 23 to receive 3 days of antibiotics, followed by 4 days of placebo (group B). Results were obtained for 47 of the enrolled patients (96%). No statistically significant difference was noted between the 2 groups with regard to postoperative pain or time to resumption of a normal diet and level of activity.


CONCLUSIONS
A 3-day course of antibiotics following pediatric tonsillectomy is as effective as a 7-day course with regard to postoperative analgesic use and resumption of normal diet and level of activity.


BACKGROUND
clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00662987.
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, New York Presbyterian Hospital-Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York, USA.
Paul E
PE
Johnson
Scott M
SM
Rickert
Jacqueline
J
Jones
D000233:Adenoidectomy; D000293:Adolescent; D000658:Amoxicillin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010919:Placebos; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D010919:Placebos; D000658:Amoxicillin