Comparison of Effectiveness of Intravenous Paracetamol and Tramadol For Post Adenotonsillectomy In Children

Haris Tariq Chohan, Arun Kumar, Muhammad Imran Riasat, Muhammad Imran Khan, Syed Farjad Sultan, Safia Zafar Siddiqui

Abstract

Objective

To compare the effectiveness of intravenous paracetamol and tramadol for post adenotonsillectomy in children when given as a single bolus dose.

Study design 

Randomized controlled trial.

Place & Duration of study

Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical ICU and Pain Management, Dr. Ruth K M Pfau Civil Hospital Karachi (CHK), from November 2017 to April 2018.

Methodology

Patients operated electively for adenotonsillectomy between the age of 6 years to 18 years were included in this study. They were randomly allocated into two groups. In group A patients were treated with intravenous paracetamol 15 mg/kg, 15 minutes after induction of general anesthesia. In group B intravenous tramadol 1 mg/kg was given 15 minutes after the induction of general anesthesia. At the end of surgery patients were extubated and transferred to recovery room and monitored. All patients received 4 - 5 liter/minute oxygen via a face mask. After two hours of analgesia dose, postoperative pain was assessed with the help of VAS (Visual Analogue Score).

Results

A total of 60 patients were included, with 30 patients in each group. The mean age of the patients in group A was 12.97±3.39 year and group B 12.80±3.19 year. There were 31(51.7%) males and 29 (48.3%) females. Pain relief was significantly high in group B as compared to group A (86.7% vs. 56.7% - p=0.010).

Conclusion

Intravenous tramadol was better than intravenous paracetamol for postoperative analgesia after adenotonsillectomy in children.

Key words 

Adenotonsillectomy, Paracetamol, Tramadol, Postoperative analgesia, Analgesia- children.