Effects of Low-dose Propofol or Ketamine on Coughing at Emergence from Anesthesia in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy

Introduction Coughing is commonly observed during emergence from general anesthesia. In children, smooth emergence from anesthesia, especially after tonsillectomy, is crucial. In this study, we compared the effect of low-dose ketamine or propofol on emergence coughing in children undergoing tonsillectomy. Methods In this randomized clinical trial, 90 children undergoing tonsillectomy were randomly allocated into two groups: children in group A received 0.5-mg/kg propofol and children in group B received 0.5-mg/kg ketamine, at the end of anesthesia. The incidence and severity of cough, postoperative sedation, nausea, and vomiting, and pain score were recorded and compared. Results The incidence of no cough at emergence from anesthesia was 82.2% in the propofol group and 15.5% in the ketamine group (P = 0.00). Children in the ketamine group exhibited postoperative pain but were more sedated compared with those in the propofol group (P > 0.05). The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting was lower in the propofol group (P < 0.05). Conclusions At the end of general anesthesia with isoflurane in children undergoing tonsillectomy, 0.5-mg/kg propofol is more effective than 0.5-mg/kg ketamine in reducing cough response upon emergence from anesthesia, with a lower incidence of nausea and vomiting, as well as lower sedation in children.