Guidelines (short version) of the French Oto-Rhino-Laryngology--Head and Neck Surgery Society (SFORL) for the management of post-tonsillectomy pain in adults

Abstract

Objectives: The present clinical practice guidelines cover the entire field of management of post-tonsillectomy pain. Given the French and European regulatory restrictions on the use of codeine, an update appears necessary to clarify the management of post-tonsillectomy pain in adults.

Method: A work group approached the issue of pain management, following the chronological pathway from initial consultation to postoperative period. As exhaustive a study of the literature as possible assessed the pain impact of the various surgical techniques and the efficacy of the various analgesia schedules.

Results: Guidelines on the management of post-tonsillectomy pain in adults were drawn up and graded, based on the levels of evidence of selected articles and on work group consensus. The guidelines stress the importance of patient information and seek to harmonize practice, reduce the risk of postoperative complications and above all improve control of post-tonsillectomy pain in adults.

Keywords: Analgesics; Corticosteroids; In situ analgesia; Sleep apnea; Step 2; Step 3; Tonsillitis.