Does Montelukast Have an Effect on Post-tonsillectomy Pain Control in Children? A Randomized Trial Study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Pain Management
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Tonsillectomy surgery often results in severe postoperative pain, necessitating opioid analgesics.
• Effective pain management remains a challenge in pediatric tonsillectomy patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of preemptive analgesia using montelukast for managing pain following pediatric tonsillectomy.
• To investigate the novel use of montelukast in post-tonsillectomy pain control.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted with 60 children aged 5-15 years undergoing tonsillectomy.
• Patients were randomized into two groups: one receiving oral montelukast and the other receiving a placebo before surgery.
• Pain was assessed using the Wong-Baker FACES Scale over 24 hours post-surgery, with hemodynamic parameters and complications also recorded.

Main Results:

• The montelukast group showed statistically significant lower pain scores compared to the placebo group (P < .05).
• Fewer patients in the montelukast group required rescue analgesics within 24 hours post-surgery (P < .001).
• No significant differences were observed in demographic parameters or postoperative complications like nausea, vomiting, or fever between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Preemptive administration of montelukast is a safe and effective strategy for reducing severe pain in children after tonsillectomy.
• Montelukast shows promise as an adjunctive analgesic in pediatric tonsillectomy pain management.