RESUMEN
INTRODUCTION: 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. PURPOSE: This study examined impact of TS on outcomes, when delivered to children emerging from general anesthesia post tonsillectomy. DESIGN: A double blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted with 94 patient/parent pairs. METHODS: 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. FINDINGS: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.