Pain management after tonsillectomy could be challenging, with different protocols and various outcome depending on individual patient; moreover, odynophagia due to surgery can, in extreme cases, lead to block oral fluid intake, ending in dehydration and thus hospitalization. A small pilot study demonstrated efficacy of photo-biomodulation (PBM) in managing pain after tonsillectomy and it suggests that PBM can be included in clinical practice. The present research aims to confirm and expand the findings from this study, being the first step in including PBM in clinical routine after tonsillectomy. Use of this treatment, which is non-damaging, non-toxic and easy to supply to patients, could greatly improve individual quality of life after a surgical treatment; its use in the clinical practice could represent an advantage for the institute, leading to more patients' satisfaction, due to the lower pain sensation after surgery and quicker recovery time.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
22
Laser treatment parameters will be two combined wavelength (660 and 970 nm), 3.2 Watt peak power, 320 milliWatt/cm2, 36.8 Joule/cm2 fluency, and 50% frequency, for a total time of 3 minutes for each site
Institute for Maternal and Child Health - IRCCS Burlo Garofolo-
Trieste, Italy
Reduction in pain score, age 3-7 years
The score is evaluated using the Wong-Baker scale, ranged 0-10. Higher scores correspond to higher levels of pain.
Time frame: After 24 hours
Reduction in pain score, age 8-18 years
The score is evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ranged 0-10. Higher scores correspond to higher levels of pain.
Time frame: After 24 hours
Reduction in pain score, age 3-7 years
The score is evaluated using the Wong-Baker scale, ranged 0-10. Higher scores correspond to higher levels of pain.depending on age
Time frame: After 4 hours
Reduction in pain score, age 3-7 years
The score is evaluated using the Wong-Baker scale, ranged 0-10. Higher scores correspond to higher levels of pain.
Time frame: After 6 hours
Reduction in pain score, age 8-18 years
The score is evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ranged 0-10. Higher scores correspond to higher levels of pain.
Time frame: After 4 hours
Reduction in pain score, age 8-18 years
The score is evaluated using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ranged 0-10. Higher scores correspond to higher levels of pain.
Time frame: After 6 hours
Frequency of use of pain killer drugs
Number of postoperative pain killers drugs administered
Time frame: Within 24 hours
Reduction in pain score evaluated by parents
Pain evaluated by parents using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) ranged 0-10. Higher scores correspond to higher levels of pain.
Time frame: 7 days after discharge
Quality of sleep
The quality of children sleep will be evaluated by parents or caregivers through a questionnaire
Time frame: 7 days after discharge
Mean daily food intake.
The mean daily food intake of children will be evaluated by parents or caregivers through a questionnaire.
Time frame: 7 days after discharge
Frequency of use of pain killer drugs
The number of pain killers drugs administered at home will be measured by parents or caregivers.
Time frame: 7 days after discharge
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