Abstract:

Objective To investigate the combination effect of tramadol and low dose propofol on emergence agitation in children receiving sevoflurane for adenotonsillectomy procedure. Methods Ninety patients receiving sevoflurane for adenotonsillectomy procedure were randomly divided into control group (administration of 0.1 mL/kg normal saline 30 min before the end of operation), tramadol group (administration of 1 mg/kg tramadol 30 min before the end of operation) and tramadol+propofol group (administration of 1 mg/kg tramadol 30 min before the end of operation and 1 mg/kg propofol at the end of operation). Time of extubation and time stayed in postanesthetic care unit (PACU) after operation were recorded, scores of Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) Scale, modified Aldrete scores and pain scores were obtained immediately after entrance into PACU, and the prevalences of post-operative nausea and vomiting were observed. Results There was no significant difference in time of extubation, time stayed in PACU and modified Aldrete Scores among groups (P>0.05). There were significant differences in scores of PAED Scale immediately after entrance into PACU, with control group> tramadol group> tramadol+propofol group (P<0.05). The pain scores of tramadol group and tramadol+propofol group were significantly lower than that of control group (P<0.05). The prevalence of nausea and vomiting was the highest in tramadol group, and the prevalence in tramadol+propofol group was significantly lower than that in tramadol group (P<0.05). Conclusion The combination use of tramadol and low dose propofol can decrease the severity of emergence agitation in children receiving sevoflurane for adenotonsillectomy procedure, and reduce the prevalence of nausea and vomiting.

Key words: sevoflurane, adenotonsillectomy, tramadol, propofol, emergence agitation, children