Gabapentin Premedication to Reduce Postoperative Pain for Pediatric Tonsillectomy/Adenoidectomy: Randomized Control Trial

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the use of gabapentin to reduce pain after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children aged 3 to 18 years. This pilot study aims to see if a single preoperative dose of gabapentin decreases the amount of narcotic pain medicine needed in the first 48 hours after surgery. It also compares the timing of the first pain medicine dose and pain scores at 12, 24, and 48 hours after surgery using pain scales like Wong Baker and a numeric distress scale. In this double-blind randomized controlled trial, 50 children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy will be randomly assigned to receive either one dose of gabapentin (15 mg/kg up to 600 mg) or a placebo before surgery. Both groups will receive the usual narcotic pain treatment during surgery. After surgery, younger children will be guided to take Tylenol and Motrin, while teenagers will get a narcotic prescription. The study will measure the amount of each pain medicine used and the time to first pain medicine. Participants will be monitored through phone calls with a research nurse for three days after surgery to collect pain scores at specified times. Researchers will track the total narcotic consumption during the first 48 hours after surgery as the main outcome. The study also looks at the timing of the first pain medicine and pain levels at 12, 24, and 48 hours. This detailed follow-up helps evaluate how gabapentin affects pain control in children after these common surgeries.

Gabapentin Premedication to Reduce Postoperative Pain for Pediatric Tonsillectomy