iPad for Post Operative Pain After Tonsillectomy

Peri-Operative Tablet-Based Interactive Distraction (TBID) to Minimize Postoperative Pain in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy/Adenotonsillectomy

The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical effectiveness of presenting iPads (Tablet Based Interactive Distraction) to pediatric patients following tonsillectomies/adenotonsillectomies. This randomized controlled trial compares rescue analgesia administration, pain scores, emergence delirium scores, and perio-operative parental satisfaction between subjects either receiving or not receiving an iPad in the postoperative period.

The purpose of this study is to determine the clinical effectiveness of presenting iPads (Tablet Based Interactive Distraction) to pediatric patients following tonsillectomies/adenotonsillectomies. Previous studies have demonstrated that TBID is an effective tool for anesthesia induction for children by providing a form of distraction to stressful stimuli. This study aims to determine the efficacy of TBID during the postoperative period. This randomized controlled trial compares rescue analgesia administration, pain scores, emergence delirium scores, and perio-operative parental satisfaction between subjects either receiving or not receiving an iPad, while controlling pre- intra- and post-operative factors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classified patients I-III
• Patients scheduled for tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy by Dr. Jeffrey Rastatter,

Exclusion Criteria:

• Having other procedures performed in addition (with the exception of ear tube insertions)
• Patients scheduled for staying overnight
• Diagnosis of Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Diagnosis of psychiatric illness, physical or developmental delay which may confound pain assessment
• Regular use of opioid medication
• Need for postoperative mechanical ventilation
• Non-English speaking parents and children