Sucralfate in accelerating post-tonsillectomy wound healing

Year 1997, Volume: 10 Issue: 2, 79 - 83, 01.03.1997

S. Candan T. Sapçı M. Türkmen A. Karavuş U. G. Akbulut

Abstract

Objective: Tonsillectomy produces large raw areas of exposed muscles in the oropharynx, resulting in considerable pain from muscle spasm, irritation of nerve endings and superficial inflammation and infection.

Method: A double blind, randomized study was conducted on three groups of forty three adult volunteers undergoing tonsillectomy. After the purpose and method of the study were described to the patients, 32 patients were radomly assigned to either group A or group C. 11 patients who were not given any medication or placebo served as controls and were assigned to group B. Group A patients were treated with sucralfate whereas group C patients received lactose powder as placebo. Patients were excluded if they failed to complete the study or missed their follow up.

Results: The subjective parameters otalgia, trismus and throat pain were compared in these three groups, and showed no significant differences. Other two parameters epithelisation and wound edema around the wound were significantly better in the sucralfate group compared to placebo and control groups.

Conclusion: Sucralfate binds with the fibrous exudation of duodenal ulcers, forming a protective barrier that promotes healing. If a similar buffer effect could be created in the tonsillar bed, morbidity may be diminished.

Keywords

Tonsillectomy, Wound healing, Sucralfate

References

• riagashima R. Mechanism of action of sucralfate. J Clin Gastroenterol 1981;3(Suppl.2):11 7-127.