A Comparison of The Analgesic Effect of Ultrasound Guided Glossopharyngeal Nerve Block Versus Blind Technique in Post Tonsillectomy Pain Relieve in Children

Abstract

This research aims to assess the efficacy of two glossopharyngeal nerve block (GNB) techniques for managing postoperative pain in children aged 3–7 years undergoing tonsillectomy. The study compares an ultrasound-guided peristyloid approach with a blind intraoral technique. Effective postoperative pain management is essential to prevent complications such as dehydration, infection, and secondary hemorrhage, thereby enhancing recovery and improving the convalescence period. Poor pain control can delay hospital discharge and interfere with the child’s return to normal activities, making optimized analgesic approaches crucial. Key outcomes include comparing postoperative FLACC pain scores at 0, 2, 4, & 6 hours, both at rest & during swallowing. The study also assesses the time to the 1st request for analgesics, total analgesic consumption, procedural difficulty, and time required for execution. Additionally, surgeon and parent satisfaction levels are analyzed, contributing to a holistic evaluation of each technique’s overall impact. Initial findings indicate that the ultrasound-guided GNB offers superior pain control compared to the blind intraoral method, with fewer side effects such as accidental vascular injury or nerve damage. The ultrasound-guided approach ensures precise anesthetic delivery, reducing potential complications and enhancing patient safety. However, challenges such as procedural complexity, the need for specialized training, and the availability of ultrasound equipment must be considered. Further large-scale studies with long-term follow-ups are essential to validate these findings, confirm safety profiles, and determine the most effective and practical technique for managing post-tonsillectomy pain in children, ultimately improving clinical outcomes.