Peritonsillar Ropivacaine Infiltration in Paediatric Tonsillectomy: A Randomised Control Trial

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Anesthesiology
• Pain Management
• Surgical Outcomes

Background:

• Post-tonsillectomy pain is a significant challenge in pediatric care.
• Effective pain management strategies are crucial for recovery and patient well-being.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Ropivacaine for post-operative pain management in children undergoing tonsillectomy.
• To compare Ropivacaine infiltration with normal saline in controlling post-tonsillectomy pain.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled study involving 140 pediatric patients (4-12 years) undergoing tonsillectomy.
• Patients received tonsillar fossa infiltration with 0.2% Ropivacaine or 0.9% normal saline.
• Pain was assessed using the Wong Baker's Faces Scoring System at multiple intervals up to 48 hours post-operatively.

Main Results:

• Ropivacaine group showed significantly lower pain scores at 48 hours post-operation (P<0.01).
• Mean deglutition time was significantly reduced in the Ropivacaine group (P<0.01).
• No significant difference in age and sex distribution between the groups.

Conclusions:

• Ropivacaine infiltration is an effective method for managing post-tonsillectomy pain in children.
• The use of Ropivacaine demonstrated minimal side-effects in the study population.
• Ropivacaine offers a promising approach to improve pediatric post-surgical recovery.