Effect of Paracetamol, Pregabalin and Dexamethasone on Pain and Opioid Requirements in Patients Having a Tonsillectomy

Effect of Paracetamol Versus Paracetamol Combined With Pregabalin Versus Paracetamol Combined With Pregabalin and Dexamethasone on Pain and Opioid Requirements in Patients Scheduled for Tonsillectomy

Patients scheduled for a tonsillectomy need postoperative pain treatment. Some of the most widely used postoperative analgetics (NSAIDs) sometimes cause rebleeding in the postoperative period, and another often used analgetic, morphine, causes nausea and vomiting. The researchers therefore will investigate new combinations of postoperative analgesics in hopes of improving pain and the need for opioids during the postoperative period.

We will investigate the effect of paracetamol versus paracetamol combined with pregabalin versus paracetamol combined with pregabalin and dexamethasone on pain and morphine requirements in the first 24 hours postoperatively. Outcomes include amount of morphine and ketobemidone used, and pain measured on a VAS scale. Side-effects, e.g., PONV, dizziness and sedation are also measured.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients scheduled for benign tonsillectomy
• Between the ages of 18 and 50 years old
• ASA 1-2 and a surgical technique without the need for local anaesthetics or electrical scissors

Exclusion Criteria:

• Malignancy
• Patients who are unable to cooperate
• Does not speak Danish
• Has allergy for drugs used in the trial
• Has abused drugs and/or medicine
• Epilepsy
• Diabetes treated with medicine
• Treatment with systemic steroids 4 weeks prior to the operation
• Daily use of antacids
• Daily use of analgesics
• Use of antidepressives
• Known kidney disease
• Pregnancy