Intraoperative acupuncture for posttonsillectomy pain: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

Objectives/hypothesis: To evaluate the effect of intraoperative acupuncture on posttonsillectomy pain in the pediatric population.

Study Design: Prospective, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Methods: Patients aged 3 to 12 years undergoing tonsillectomy were recruited at a tertiary children's hospital between February 2011 and May 2012.

The use of dexmedetomidine during laryngoscopy, bronchoscopy, and tracheal extubation following tracheal reconstruction.

We report the use of dexmedetomidine for laryngoscopy, rigid bronchoscopy, and tracheal extubation in the operating room in two children who had undergone tracheal reconstruction 1 week previously. Dexmedetomidine in combination with propofol provided appropriately deep anesthesia during these brief but stimulating procedures without cardiovascular or respiratory depression.

Non-pharmacological techniques for pain management in neonates.

Significant progress in understanding the physiology, clinical correlates, and consequences of neonatal pain have resulted in greater attention to pain management during neonatal intensive care. A number of nonpharmacological therapies have been investigated, including nonnutritive sucking, with and without sucrose use, swaddling or facilitated tucking, kangaroo care, music therapy, and multi-sensorial stimulation. Although the efficacy of these approaches is clearly evident, they cannot provide analgesia for moderate or severe pain in the neonate.