The Use of antibiotics post- tonsillectomy at Dr George Mukhari Hospital (DGMH): Is it of benefit ?

Abstract

Aims: The purpose of this study was to assess if the use of post-operative antibiotics

have any beneficial effects in reducing morbidity following elective tonsillectomy in

children with age range of 1-13 years.

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Objectives: To assess the degree of post-tonsillectomy pain, determine the incidence of

secondary haemorrhage, establish the time period to the resumption of a normal diet,

document adverse effects of the use of antibiotics (e.g. skin rash, anaphylaxis, diarrhoea

and vomiting), determine the bacteriology in tonsil removed and make

recommendations on post-tonsillectomy treatment protocol at DGMH.

Methods: This prospective study was conducted at DGMH on 81 children with an age

range of l-13years (mean 5.7years). At total of 40 children received paracetamol

l5mg/kg/day (Group A) in three divided doses for seven days, and 41 received

amoxicillin 40 mg/kg/day and paracetamol (Group B) for the same duration. The post

operative morbidity and bacteriology of the two treatment groups were compared.

Primary outcomes measured included the incidence and severity of pain, use of

analgesia, resumption of normal diet, incidence ofheamorrhage, fever, vomiting and

adverse reactions.