Tonsillar fossa steroid injection for reduction of the post-tonsillectomy pain.

ABSTRACT

Fifty patients (26 males and 24 females) who underwent tonsillectomy were then treated with injection of the long acting steroid (Kenacort-A) into the right tonsillar fossa after the operation. The left side was used as the control. Post-operative pain was assesed by the patients and was graded and recorded daily as mild, moderate, and severe pain on both sides of the throat for 2 weeks. A significant reduction of pain in the tested side (right side) was noted in the majority of the patients. The duration of pain was shorter in the right side than the left side. It seemed to significantly reduce the post-tonsillectomy pain. Because of its simplicity, cost effectiveness, and no complications, the technique should be used for pain-free tonsillectomy in non-contraindicated cases.