Can probiotic gargles reduce post-tonsillectomy morbidity in adult patients? A pilot, triple-blind, randomised, controlled trial and feasibility study.

2022-03-23
The Journal of laryngology and otology 137(3)

PubMed: 35317870
DOI: 10.1017/s0022215122000743

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: Thirty adults underwent elective tonsillectomy
Methods: Triple-blind, randomised, controlled trial and feasibility study; randomly assigned to receive either probiotic or placebo gargles for 14 days after surgery; daily pain scores and requirement of analgesia were measured for 14 days post-operatively

Objective

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of probiotic gargles compared with placebo gargles on reducing post-tonsillectomy morbidity in adults.

Method

This was a triple-blind, randomised, controlled trial and feasibility study. Thirty adults underwent elective tonsillectomy and were randomly assigned to receive either probiotic or placebo gargles for 14 days after surgery. Daily pain scores and requirement of analgesia were measured for 14 days post-operatively. Secondary outcomes assessed probiotic safety and tolerability and the feasibility of the trial.

Results

The probiotic group experienced less pain at rest on day 2. However, the amount of oxycodone (5 mg) tablets used was greater in the probiotic group compared with placebo. There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of adverse effects between both groups. This trial was feasible.

Conclusion

This pilot study suggested that probiotic gargles do not reduce post-tonsillectomy pain or bleeding, highlighting the importance of pilot and feasibility studies in clinical research.

Research Insights

Supplement	Dose	Health Outcome	Effect Type	Effect Size	Source
Lactobacillus brevis KABP-052	—	Adverse Effects Frequency	Neutral	Small	View source There were no statistically significant differences in the frequency of adverse effects between both groups.
Lactobacillus brevis KABP-052	—	Reduced Post-Tonsillectomy Bleeding	Neutral	Small	View source This pilot study suggested that probiotic gargles do not reduce post-tonsillectomy pain or bleeding.
Lactobacillus brevis KABP-052	—	Reduced Postoperative Pain	Neutral	Small	View source The probiotic group experienced less pain at rest on day 2. However, the amount of oxycodone (5 mg) tablets used was greater in the probiotic group compared with placebo.