INVESTIGATING THE EFFECTS OF INTRAVENOUS DEXAMETHASONE REDUCTION IN POST TONSILLECTOMY AND ADENOTONSILLECTOMY SORE THROAT AND VOMITING

Dexametasone is used as a replacement therapy for opioids in reducing post
tonsillectomy pain. This study was aimed to assess the effect of dexamethasone on reduction of pain and
vomiting and the onset of oral intake after tonsillectomy.
Material & Methods: This study was conducted on sixty 4-12 year-old patients scheduled for
tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy in the present double blinded randomized clinical trial in two equal
groups (control and study). Immediately after induction of anesthesia, the study group received
dexamethasone (0.15mg/kg) and the control group received equal volume of normal saline. The patients’
pain intensity and the presence or absence of vomiting were measured and recorded 30 minutes in the
recovery room and 1 hour after surgery. In the ward after 2, 4, 8 and 24 hours, intensity of pain,
occurrence of vomiting, onset time oral intake and systemic analgesic consumption were measured and
recorded.
Results: Pain intensity (based on CHEOPS) at the times, half-hour, 1, 2 and 4 hours after surgery in the
study group was lower than the control group. (p<0.05) Statistical analysis showed significant differences
between study and control groups related to the frequency of vomiting. (P=0.035) The mean onset time of
oral intake in study group was 3.56 hours and in control group was 4.44 hours which was statistically
significant. (P = 0.001)
Conclusion: Accordingly, intravenous dexamethasone before tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy in
children reduces pain intensity up to 8 hours after surgery and reduces the occurrence of vomiting and
onset time of oral intake