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Updated: Jun 28, 2026
05:07
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Local anaesthetic for post-tonsillectomy pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital of North Staffordshire, Stoke-on-Trent, UK. joe.grainger@btinternet.com
Summary
Local anesthetic use significantly reduces pain after tonsillectomy. Topical application is recommended over infiltration for better pain relief with fewer adverse effects.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pain Management
- Anesthesiology
Background:
- Tonsillectomy is a common otolaryngologic procedure.
- Post-operative pain is a major source of patient morbidity.
- Local anesthetics are explored for pain reduction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review evidence on local anesthetics for post-tonsillectomy pain.
- To assess if local anesthetics reduce supplemental analgesic needs.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
- Searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Central Register.
- Two authors reviewed and graded study quality.
Main Results:
- Thirteen studies included in the review.
- Local anesthetics (topical or infiltrated) significantly reduced pain scores at 4-6h, 20-24h, and day 5.
- Pain reduction ranged from 7-19 mm on a 0-100 mm visual analogue scale.
Conclusions:
- Local anesthetics offer a modest reduction in post-tonsillectomy pain.
- Topical local anesthetic appears as effective as infiltration.
- Topical application is preferred due to similar efficacy and fewer adverse effects.
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