Acupuncture for posttonsillectomy pain in children: a randomized, controlled study

What is already known  Previous studies have shown that acupuncture is effective for the treatment of postoperative pain and, with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) use, is effective in adults for the treatment of pain after tonsillectomy. Acupuncture has been shown to be safe in children. What this article adds  This is the first study that has demonstrated the positive effect of acupuncture on posttonsillectomy pain in children. Implications for translation  Acupuncture has the potential to be an effective additional treatment to standard analgesic treatment for posttonsillectomy pain in children. Acupuncture may decrease consumption of pain medication and increase parental satisfaction with postoperative pain control.