The Analgesic Effects of Ketamine, Ketorolac and Dexamethasone after Adenotonsillectomy Surgery in Children Aged 4 to 18 Years

Background:This study aimed to investigate the analgesic effects of ketamine, ketorolac and dexamethasone after adenotonsillectomy surgery in children aged 4 to 18 years. Methods:This clinical trial was undertaken on children aged 4 to 18 years who were admitted in Shafa Hospital of Kerman for tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy surgeries.  Simple randomization was used for sampling and the subjects were randomly divided into three groups. In all three groups, 1-8 mg dexamethasone was administered/ injected. 0.5 mg/kg ketamine, 0.5 mg/kg ketorolac and dexamethasone were administered/ injected in the first, second and third (control) group groups respectively. This means that subjects in the control group did not receive any drug except dexamethasone. The Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale was used for measuring the level of pain. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software, version 21.  Results: According to the post-operative pain of patients who used ketamine, ketorolac and dexamethasone during the recovery time, there was a significant difference in six hours after surgery and the time of discharge/release as the highest pain score was related to the control group (the group that only used dexamethasone). Moreover, the pain score of the subjects or the patients who received ketamine at the time of discharge was significantly higher (p<0.05) than the ones who received ketorolac.  Conclusion: Administration of ketamine and ketorolac can be beneficial for controlling and decreasing the post-operative pain in patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy surgery.