The effectiveness of a preoperative multi-component non-pharmacologic preparation on post-tonsillectomy pain: a randomized controlled clinical trial

Abstract Introduction Tonsillectomy is a painful operation and some studies have suggested that preoperative non-pharmacologic preparations may decrease postoperative pain. In this randomized clinical trial study, we decided to determine which is more effective in the post-tonsillectomy pain; an informative booklet or a costly, time consuming, sophisticated, and multi-component preparation program. Materials and Methods Patients were randomly assigned into two groups. In the booklet group, children and their parents only received an informative booklet as routine information preparation. On the other hand, in the multi-component group; in addition to receiving the same booklet, children and their parents received our multi-component pre-operative preparation program. The following items were included in the package: preoperative tour in the ward, an educational DVD, and therapeutic play intervention. All patients were observed at least for 8 hours as a day case or ambulatory tonsillectomy. The pain score was recorded according to the visual analog scale for seven days. Finally, the post-tonsillectomy pain scores were compared in the two groups. The multi-component group included 121 children and booklet group 120. Results Minimum and maximum age was 9 and 12 years. Regarding post-tonsillectomy pain, we found no significant difference between the multi-component group and the booklet group. Conclusion Our data revealed that a new concept which is more cost-effective and concise booklet is as effective as costly and sophisticated methods in post-tonsillectomy pain among 9 to 12 years old children.