Suprazygomatic Maxillary Nerve Block for Management of Postoperative Pain in Adenotonsillectomy Patients

This study explores the effectiveness of adding dexamethasone to a suprazygomatic maxillary nerve block for postoperative pain relief in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. The procedure, often performed to address recurrent infections and airway obstruction, results in significant pain due to inflammation and nerve irtypicallyritation. Traditional pain management methods, such as systemic analgesics, may be inadequate or lead to side effects in children. By combining dexamethasone, a potent anti-inflammatory, with local anesthetics, this trial aims to determine if enhanced pain control and a reduction in opioid use can be achieved.

The randomized, double-blind clinical trial will involve 80 children aged 3 to 10 years, randomized into two groups: one receiving the nerve block with bupivacaine and dexamethasone, and the other receiving bupivacaine alone. Pain will be assessed postoperatively using the FLACC score, with secondary measures including time to first analgesia, total analgesic use, hemodynamic stability, and any complications.

This study aims to demonstrate that the addition of dexamethasone may provide superior pain management in pediatric adenotonsillectomy, offering a safer, opioid-sparing alternative for postoperative care.