Ketamine as an adjunct to fentanyl improves postoperative analgesia and hastens discharge in children following tonsillectomy - a prospective, double-blinded, randomized study.

Objective:   To evaluate the effect of ketamine, as an adjunct to fentanyl, on postoperative analgesia and duration of Postoperative Care Unit (PACU) stay, in children undergoing tonsillectomy.

Background:   Ketamine, as an N-methyl-d-aspartate antagonist, has been recognized to have an opioid sparing effect. In addition, it does not depress respiration or affect airway tone.