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The effect of ibuprofen on postoperative hemorrhage following tonsillectomy in children
Huseyin Yaman1, Abdullah Belada, Suleyman Yilmaz
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Duzce Medical Faculty, Duzce University, Duzce, Turkey. hyaman1975@yahoo.com
Insights
Ibuprofen is safe for relieving pain after pediatric tonsillectomy. Studies show no increased risk of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in children receiving ibuprofen compared to paracetamol.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Pain Management
- Surgical Complications
Background:
- Tonsillectomy is a common pediatric surgical procedure.
- Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is a potential complication.
- Pain management is crucial for recovery, with common options including ibuprofen and paracetamol.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effect of ibuprofen on post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in children.
- To compare hemorrhage rates between children receiving ibuprofen and paracetamol for pain relief.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy.
- Patients divided into two groups: ibuprofen for pain relief (Group II) and paracetamol (Group I).
- Hemorrhage rates analyzed between the two groups.
Main Results:
- Seven out of 171 children (4.1%) experienced post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.
- Hemorrhage occurred in 3 of 62 children (4.8%) receiving ibuprofen.
- Hemorrhage occurred in 4 of 109 children (3.7%) receiving paracetamol.
- No statistically significant difference in hemorrhage rates between ibuprofen and paracetamol groups (p > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage is a rare complication.
- Ibuprofen administration does not significantly increase the risk of hemorrhage.
- Ibuprofen can be safely used for post-tonsillectomy pain management in children.
Abstract:
The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of ibuprofen on hemorrhage after tonsillectomy in children. All charts of children, who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy, were reviewed. The age at the time of surgery ranged between 3 and 16 years (mean age = 7.55 ± 3.01 years). Children were divided into two groups based on the drugs used for postoperative pain relief. Group I received paracetamol after surgery. Group II received ibuprofen after surgery. A total of 62 patients received ibuprofen and 109 patients were given paracetamol. Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage occurred in seven (4.1%) children, primary hemorrhage was noted in five patients and secondary hemorrhage occurred in two patients. While 3 of 62 children (4.8%) who were given ibuprofen had postoperative hemorrhage, 4 of 109 patients (3.7%) who were given paracetamol had hemorrhage There was no significant difference in hemorrhage rates between these two groups (p > 0.05). Hemorrhage following tonsillectomy is rare and frequently occurs in the early postoperative period. There is no significant increased risk of hemorrhage after ibuprofen administration and it can be used safely for post-tonsillectomy pain relief.
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