Per-operative Efficacy of Single Intravenous Bolus Dose of Dexamethasone in Reducing Post Tonsillectomy Pain in Adults

Objective: To determine the efficacy of per-operative single intravenous bolus dose of Dexamethasone in reducing post-tonsillectomy pain. Material and Methods: This was a Quasi experimental study conducted at the ENT Department, Hayatabad Medical Complex, (HMC), Peshawar from March 2010 to March 2011. A total of 108 patients included in this study were divided in to two groups, group A receiving Intrevenous dexamethasone (8mg) and group B not receiving dexamethasone. Post tonsillectomy pain was measured by using visual analogue scale and graded as no pain, mild pain, moderate pain and severe pain. Results: A total of 108 patients were included with age ranging from 16 to 38 years with a mean age of 23.52 ± 6.01 years. On the first postoperative day, 3 patients in group A were pain free while none was pain free in group B with significant difference (p=0.016) between the two groups. Similarly 20.4% vs none on second postoperative day and 57.4% vs 24.1% on 3rd post operative day showed significant difference (p=0.0001) between the two groups. Conclusion: Per-operative Intravenous dexamethasone during tonsillectomy is useful in combating postoperative pain.