Effects of Therapeutic Suggestion Under Anesthesia on Outcomes in Children Post Tonsillectomy

Abstract

Tonsillectomy causes discomfort in children. Positive therapeutic suggestions (TS) may be given to patients while they are emerging from general anesthesia as a potential tool to decrease distress. This study examined impact of TS on outcomes, when delivered to children emerging from general anesthesia post tonsillectomy. A double blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted with 94 patient/parent pairs. TS and noise recordings were played via headphones post tonsillectomy upon arrival to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit until the child showed signs of waking. Pain scores at 30 minutes post extubation show significantly lower pain in the TS group, P = .04 (Mann Whitney U for independent samples). The TS group had 70% increased likelihood of receiving less intravenous (IV) opioid. TS may help lower pain in children post tonsillectomy and decrease demand for IV opioid pain management in the 4- to 8-year-old tonsillectomy population.