This is a randomized prospective study to determine the optimal postoperative pain medication
regimen for adults (18 years old and older) undergoing tonsillectomy with or without
adenoidectomy for chronic tonsillitis and/or snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea. All
participants will undergo the same tonsillectomy surgical technique (with or without
adenoidectomy) under general anesthesia and be randomized to one of three postoperative pain
control regimens (all of which are commonly used pain medications for post-tonsillectomy
pain):
1. Norco (Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen)
2. Percocet (Oxycodone and Acetaminophen)
3. Dilaudid and Tylenol (Acetaminophen)
Participants will be discharged home the day of surgery and will be sent home with
questionnaires to assess their daily pain level, oral intake, amount of nausea/vomiting, and
amount of pain medications taken for the 14 days following their surgery. Data will be
collected and analyzed to determine if there is a difference in pain levels or oral intake or
nausea/vomiting in the different pain regimen groups. Secondary endpoints will include weight
change from preoperative weight to weight at 2-3 weeks after surgery in addition to
postoperative complications including visits to the Emergency Department and
post-tonsillectomy bleed rates.
Participants will be seen 1-2 weeks following their surgery in the ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat)
clinic per normal postoperative protocol and will not require any specific clinic visits
related to this study.
Phase:
Phase 4
Details
Lead Sponsor:
University of Nebraska
Treatments:
Acetaminophen Acetaminophen, hydrocodone drug combination Hydrocodone Hydromorphone Oxycodone