Duration-related efficacy of postoperative antibiotics following pediatric tonsillectomy: a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Objective: To determine whether a 3-day course of postoperative antibiotics is as effective as a 7-day course in reducing pain and reducing time to resumption of a normal diet and level of activity following pediatric tonsillectomy.

Design: A prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial.

Setting: Academic medical center.

Patients: Forty-nine patients were enrolled in the study. Preoperative demographic information was obtained.

Interventions: Tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy was performed by the senior author (J.J.) using electrocautery. Patients were randomized to receive either a 3- or 7-day course of amoxicillin.

Main Outcome Measures: Parents were asked to record the following information: analgesic use for the first 7 postoperative days, postoperative days the child initiated his or her usual diet and level of activity, and medical treatment for oral hemorrhage or dehydration.

Results: Of the 49 patients, 26 were randomized to receive 7 days of postoperative antibiotics (group A) and 23 to receive 3 days of antibiotics, followed by 4 days of placebo (group B). Results were obtained for 47 of the enrolled patients (96%). No statistically significant difference was noted between the 2 groups with regard to postoperative pain or time to resumption of a normal diet and level of activity.

Conclusion: A 3-day course of antibiotics following pediatric tonsillectomy is as effective as a 7-day course with regard to postoperative analgesic use and resumption of normal diet and level of activity.

Trial Registration: clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00662987.