The effect of low dose ketamine on sore throat after tonsillectomy

Ketamine efficacy as an analgesic adjuvant has been studied in several clinical settings with conflicting results. Sore throat and pain after swallowing following tonsillectomy is significant. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of low dose ketamine on sore throat (pain) after tonsillectomy. In this double blind clinical trial، fifty children were، divided into two equal groups of Ketamine and control. The subjects aged 4-14 years old and physical ASA class I-II were randomized to receive pemedication with either ketamine 0. lmg/kg I. V. or placebo، 5 minutes before induction of a standard general anesthesia. The ketamine group showed significantly lower pain scores with less total pethidine consumption (P<0. 005) during 6h after surgery. The mean pain score in ketamine group was 1. 32±1. 02 and in control group was 2. 4±1. 25. There were no differences in the incidence of vomiting between the groups. Premedication with a small dose of ketamine reduces pain after tonsillectomy in children who received an analgesic regimen combined with an opioid.