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Arch Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2001;127:1279.

	Since this article does not have an abstract, we have provided the first 150 words of the full text and any section headings.

Dr Ohlms has discussed the risks and benefits of injecting local anesthetic into the tonsillar fossa to alter the pain response to the surgical injury of tonsillectomy. She points out that with a blockade of the afferent nerves, the postoperative pain response may be altered, resulting in a less morbid recuperation. For many years, local anesthesia has been used for postoperative pain control in conjunction with surgery under general anesthesia.¹

Pediatric patients are particularly vulnerable to problems resulting from postoperative pain. Young children are unable to understand the critical need to maintain adequate oral intake in the face of throat pain and are predisposed to the risk of suboptimal fluid intake and worsening discomfort. The result is a downward spiral toward dehydration, possible electrolyte imbalance, and inadequate caloric intake. The ideal way to control posttonsillectomy pain has yet to be achieved.

Figure appears in full text version. Steven P. Cook, MD

Dr Ohlms reviewed several studies . . . [Full Text of this Article]

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