The effect of peritonsillar infiltration with mepecaine-l on tonsillectomy morbidity in adults

Abstract EN

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common performed procedures in ENT practice, it may be associated with bleeding and postoperative throat pain which are significant morbidities.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the effects of peritonsillar infiltration with (Mepecaine-Levonottrdefrin) on tonsillectomy duration, intraoperative blood loss and early post-operative pain in adults.

In this case-control study; fifty adults aged between 18-32 year were included, they were 34 females and 16 males who underwent tonsillectomy in the period between November 2011 and April 2012 at Basrah General Hospital, Iraq.

Unilateral peritonsillar injection with Mepecaine-L (Mepecaine 2% - Levonorderfrin 1:20000) were infiltrated to one side and compared with the other side for the following parameters: operation duration, intraoperative blood loss and early post-operative pain score.

There was no statically significant difference in the duration of operation between the test and control side (P>0.05); There was significant reduction in the blood loss in the tested side (P< 0.001); and also significant reduction of the early postoperative pain (P<0.001).

No significant intraoperative or postoperative complications were noticed.

In conclusion, the use of peritonsillar infiltration with Mepecaine-L before tonsillectomy is a safe and effective method that significantly reduces the blood loss and relieves the pain in adults after tonsillectomy.