RESUMO
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: This study investigates the effect of patient controlled analgesia (PCA) on post-tonsillectomy pain for the first two weeks of operation, and its effects on the postoperative bleeding and the pain duration. SUBJECTS AND METHOD: In a prospective group study, 43 patients with tonsillectomy were studied. PCA was applied for 48 hours after surgery. Pain scores, postoperative bleeding, and pain duration were compared. RESULTS: PCA reduced postoperative pain during the time it was appled but pain was worse after disconnection. There were no differences between the groups regarding postoperative bleeding and recovery time. CONCLUSION: PCA could effectively control the post-tonsillectomy pain only during its application period. It was not helpful for long term pain control, pain duration, or post-tonsillectomy bleeding. Other long lasting and effective pain control method should be administered to reduce post-tonsillectomy pain during the recovery period.