Comparison of the effect of peritonsillar infiltration of tramadol vs dexmedetomidine on post-tonsillectomy pain.

Introduction This study aimed to comparing the effect of peritonsillar infiltration of tramadol and dexmedetomidine in relieving post-tonsillectomy pain. Methods In this randomized double blinded clinical trial study, 90 children 5-12 years old undergoing tonsillectomy, involved. Induction of anesthesia was done by fentanyl 1 µg/kg, sodium thiopental 5 mg/kg and atracurium 0.5 mg/kg and intubation was done after 3 min. Anesthesia maintained by nitrous oxide 60% and oxygen 40% with isoflurane (1.2%). Tramadol 2 mg/kg in group A, dexmedetomidine 1 µg/kg in group B, and normal saline in group c were injected into the bed and anterior tonsillar pillar and surgery has begun after 3 min of injection. Time of surgery, all hemodynamic variables, pain intensity and degree of sedation were recorded and evaluated. Results The results showed that duration of the surgery (p value = 0.28) and duration of anesthesia (p value = 0.43) were not significantly different between the groups but pain score was significantly lower in dexmedetomidine group in comparison to tramadol and placebo group (p value = 0.001). The first time for analgesic request was longer in dexmedetomidine group (p value = 0.001) and Hemodynamic parameters were significantly lower in tramadol and dexmedetomidine group (p value = 0.001). Sedation level was not significantly different between tramadol and dexmedetomidine group (p value = 0.001). Conclusion According to the results peritonsillar infiltration of dexmedetomidine is effective and safe in relieving post-tonsillectomy pain.