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Effects of therapeutic suggestion in children undergoing general anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial

Michelle A Fortier1, Megan Weinberg, Lawrence A Vitulano

  • 1Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Care, University of California, Irvine, CA, USA. mfortier@choc.org

Paediatric Anaesthesia
|January 19, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Intraoperative therapeutic suggestion did not reduce postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in children undergoing ear, nose, and throat surgery. This study explored a non-pharmacological approach for managing PONV in pediatric patients.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Anesthesiology
  • Surgical Recovery
  • Non-pharmacological Interventions

Background:

  • Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is common after pediatric otolaryngological surgery, impacting recovery.
  • Non-pharmacological methods are sought to manage PONV.
  • Therapeutic suggestion has not been previously studied in children for PONV.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative therapeutic suggestion in reducing PONV in children.
  • To compare therapeutic suggestion with a control condition (story) and standard operating room noise.

Main Methods:

  • A randomized controlled trial involving 67 children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.
  • Children received general anesthesia and were blinded to one of three interventions: therapeutic suggestion, story, or standard noise.
  • Nausea and vomiting were assessed in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) and for 3 days post-discharge.

Main Results:

  • A significant decrease in nausea severity was observed over the first 3 days post-surgery (P < 0.001).
  • No significant group differences were found in nausea severity in the PACU or at home.
  • No significant group differences were found in vomiting episodes in the PACU or at home.

Conclusions:

  • Intraoperative therapeutic suggestion did not significantly impact postoperative nausea and vomiting in children undergoing otolaryngological surgery.
  • This is the first study to investigate therapeutic suggestion for PONV in pediatric patients.
  • Further research and replication are recommended to confirm these findings.
Abstract

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