Management of Posttonsillectomy Pain: Best Practices

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Tonsillectomy remains one of the most commonly performed procedures in the US, with between 250-500,000 surgeries done annually. The primary morbidity following operation is oropharyngeal pain resulting in dysphagia, decreased oral intake, and dehydration with readmission to hospital and sleep disturbance among possibilities. Despite this, in the 2019 AAOHNSF clinical practice guideline on tonsillectomy in children, there was "[p]erception by the panel that pain control is often underemphasized and inadequately discussed before and after tonsillectomy." This is an opportunity to review the current evidence on post-tonsillectomy pain control including complementary/integrative approaches, recognize the optimal strategies, and implement as best practices for the benefit of our patients.

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 1: Examine the current evidence base for post-tonsillectomy pain management

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 2: Recognize the current optimal strategies for managing postop oropharyngeal pain

OUTCOME OBJECTIVE 3: Implement best practices for management of post-tonsillectomy pain

BACKGROUND STATEMENT: A promoted practice gap for comprehensive otolaryngology identified: Postoperative pain management.
We have presented and written about post-tonsillectomy pain. This is a broader approach to the overall management of this issue involving CIM cmte & peds ENT. Our panel is inclusive & diverse.