A Prospective Self Controlled Trial to Evaluate Post Operative Pain After Tonsillectomy by Suturing Plica Tonsillaris

Abstract

To measure post operative pain levels in patients undergoing cold dissection tonsillectomy with or without suturing of plica tonsillaris. The hypothesis is that the suturing of the plica tonsillaris may be associated with less post operative pain. In this prospective and self controlled trial thirty-eight patients between 6 and 46 years of age (mean age 17.25±12.32) underwent tonsillectomy, or adeno tonsillectomy were included to the study. The patients who had a chronic disease or bleeding disorder, patients who did not approve this surgical procedure, and children under age of 6 were excluded from the study. We compared post operative throat pain during the first 20 days. This was assessed by using a visual analog pain scale and the Wong-Baker faces pain rating scale. Comparison of mean pain scores revealed statistically significant less pain in the sutured side during the first 10 days (p<0.05). After the first ten days of the follow-up no statistically significant difference was observed. Suturing technique of plica tonsillaris for reducing post tonsillectomy throat pain is useful for adult and pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy.