International journal of pediatric otorhinolaryngology
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Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. · May 2007
Randomized Controlled TrialKetamine in post-tonsillectomy pain.
There has yet been no ideal method for postoperative analgesia in children. Ketamine demonstrates a potent analgesic effect by central blockage of perception of pain with sub-anesthetic doses. Preoperative intramuscular administration of ketamine for sedation decreases the pain during swallowing after tonsillectomy, while it provides long-term analgesia when applied around the incision. The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of ketamine administered to the tonsillar region following tonsillectomy for postoperative pain management. ⋯ In previous studies, no significant differences were demonstrated in pre-emptive analgesia with ketamine, magnesium, morphine, and clonidine. The dose of ketamin and the volume used in this study caused no sedation or nausea and provided a high level of analgesia. Ketamine infiltration into the tonsillar region after tonsillectomy was found to be easy and effective.
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Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. · May 2007
A national audit of paediatric service provision in otolaryngology in England and Wales.
Otolaryngology is the surgical speciality with the highest paediatric workload, accounting for 29% of the total. Children are not miniature adults and require specially trained staff, equipment, facilities and an environment appropriate to their needs. Documents from the Department of Health and the Royal Colleges of Surgeons and Anaesthetists have been published outlining national standards and recommendations for paediatric surgical service provision. We undertook an audit to assess the current state of paediatric services in ENT in England and Wales and how they conform to these guidelines. ⋯ This audit reveals that we are not meeting the guidelines in nearly 50% of the targeted areas. Paediatric care should be "child centred" and if we are not able to provide this specialised care then paediatric surgical services could be forced into centralisation.