Reliability of nasofibroscopy for the evaluation of adenoid hypertrophy and its correlation with clinical symptoms

OBJECTIVE

To analyze the reliability of estimating the percentage of rhinopharyngeal obstruction by the adenoid using nasofibroscopy and its correlation with clinical symptoms.

METHODS

Cross-sectional observational study was conducted, involving 80 patients between 4 and 14 years old, recruited from Santa Casa of São Paulo general otorhinolaryngology outpatient service during the years of 2020 and 2021. All patients underwent nasal endoscopy examination, and the recorded videos were randomly assigned to four evaluators in two different sessions, with a minimum interval of 1 month. The evaluators estimated the percentage of rhinopharyngeal obstruction caused by the adenoid. Intra- and inter-evaluator correlations were established by comparing the reports from each evaluator. The data were compared to the Pro Image J Software report, that also estimates a percentage of obstruction by computer graphics. To correlate the grading of obstruction with clinical symptoms, all patients completed the OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea) 18 questionnaire, a validated tool for assessing sleep apnea in children. The questionnaire data were then compared to the average scores assigned by the evaluators.

RESULTS

Satisfactory intra- and inter-rater correlations were observed, and the results were consistent with the Pro Image J Software. However, no correlation was found between the percentage of obstruction and the severity of clinical symptoms.

CONCLUSION

Nasofibroscopy demonstrates good reliability in assessing a percentage of rhinopharyngeal obstruction caused by adenoids. However, there is no correlation between the degree of obstruction of the rhinopharynx and the clinical symptoms.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4

Efficacy of Continuous Suctioning in Adenoidectomy Haemostasis-Clinical Study

Introduction: Adenoidectomy is often the first major surgical challenge for the child's haemostatic system, and controlling intraoperative bleeding can be a challenge for the surgeon. Different methods have been used intraoperatively by surgeons in order to enhance haemostasis. The cold air effect (continuous suctioning) has been used by some surgeons during adenoidectomy; however, no documentation of its haemostatic effect has been made. Objectives: Our prospective randomised controlled study enrolled a sample of 140 children undergoing adenoidectomy, and we studied the effect of continuous suctioning on the duration of haemostasis in paediatric adenoidectomy. Materials and Methods: We evaluated the effect of using continuous suctioning during haemostasis at the end of adenoidectomy procedures, comparing variables such as total surgery time, total haemostasis time, and intraoperative blood loss, between two groups: 70 adenoidectomy procedures where no continuous suctioning was used to enhance haemostasis versus the other 70 patients where continuous suctioning was the haemostatic method employed. RESULTS: After statistical analysis of the recorded data, we found that the total duration of adenoidectomy, the duration of haemostasis in adenoidectomy, and the intraoperative blood loss were significantly lower in patients in whom cold air was used for haemostasis. Intraoperative haemostasis failure (and consequent use of electrocautery for haemostasis) was more frequent in patients in whom no suctioning was used; as for the rates of postoperative primary bleeding after adenoidectomy, they were similar in both groups of patients, regardless of the technique used for haemostasis. Conclusions: The use of continuous suctioning during adenoidectomy haemostasis significantly shortens total surgical and haemostasis time, reduces intraoperative blood loss, and reduces the incidence of haemostasis failure (with the consequent need for bipolar electrocautery haemostasis).

Estimated Probability Distribution of Bleeding After Pediatric Tonsillectomy: A Retrospective National Cohort Study of US Children

Importance

The American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery Foundation has recommended yearly surgeon self-monitoring of posttonsillectomy bleeding rates. However, the predicted distribution of rates to guide this monitoring remain unexplored.

Objective

To use a national cohort of children to estimate the probability of bleeding after pediatric tonsillectomy to guide surgeons in self-monitoring of this event.

Design, Settings, and Participants

This retrospective cohort study used data from the Pediatric Health Information System for all pediatric (<18 years old) patients who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy in a children's hospital in the US from January 1, 2016, through August 31, 2021, and were discharged home. Predicted probabilities of return visits for bleeding within 30 days were calculated to estimate quantiles for bleeding rates. A secondary analysis included logistic regression of bleeding risk by demographic characteristics and associated conditions. Data analyses were conducted from August 7, 2022 to January 28, 2023.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Revisits to the emergency department or hospital (inpatient/observation) for bleeding (primary/secondary diagnosis) within 30 days after index discharge after tonsillectomy.

Results

Of the 96 415 children (mean [SD] age, 5.3 [3.9] years; 41 284 [42.8%] female; 46 954 [48.7%] non-Hispanic White individuals) who had undergone tonsillectomy, 2100 (2.18%) returned to the emergency department or hospital with postoperative bleeding. The predicted 5th, 50th, and 95th quantiles for bleeding were 1.17%, 1.97%, and 4.75%, respectively. Variables associated with bleeding after tonsillectomy were Hispanic ethnicity (OR, 1.19; 99% CI, 1.01-1.40), very high residential Opportunity Index (OR, 1.28; 99% CI, 1.05-1.56), gastrointestinal disease (OR, 1.33; 99% CI, 1.01-1.77), obstructive sleep apnea (OR, 0.85; 99% CI, 0.75-0.96), obesity (OR,1.24; 99% CI, 1.04-1.48), and being more than 12 years old (OR, 2.48; 99% CI, 2.12-2.91). The adjusted 99th percentile for bleeding after tonsillectomy was approximately 6.39%.

Conclusions and Relevance

This retrospective national cohort study predicted 50th and 95th percentiles for posttonsillectomy bleeding of 1.97% and 4.75%. This probability model may be a useful tool for future quality initiatives and surgeons who are self-monitoring bleeding rates after pediatric tonsillectomy.

Outcomes and considerations in children with developmental delay undergoing tonsillectomy

INTRODUCTION

Developmental delay (DD) affects one in six children and has been shown to require more health care than the average child [1-2]. Certain recent studies have suggested an increased rate of complications/costs in children with DD [3-5]. Our objective was to perform a retrospective study comparing DD children to non-DD controls in patients presenting for tonsillectomy over a 1-year period to further define the relationship between DD and post-operative complications.

METHODS

We conducted a retrospective chart review of children undergoing tonsillectomy over a one-year period. We collected demographic information, polysomnogram, comorbidities, complications, and length of stay. A diagnosis of developmental delay was considered if recorded prior to the tonsillectomy or workup was ongoing at the time of tonsillectomy. All data was analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.

RESULTS

The final cohort included 400 patients. Our cohort had 56 patients with diagnosis of DD. We recorded 18 complications in the DD population (32.14%) compared to 30 complications in the control group (8.72%) (p < 0.00001). Children with DD had higher incidence of comorbidities (p < 0.00001), complication with comorbidities (p < 0.00001), and incidence of prematurity (p < 0.00001); whereas, they did not have increased length of stay (LOS) (p = 0.33) or complications if premature (p = 0.22). Pre-operative polysomnogram was associated with higher incidence of complication (p = 0.035) in the total population but children with DD did not have higher pre-operative obstructive apnea-hypopnea index (oAHI)compared to the control patients (p = 0.25).

CONCLUSION

Children with DD were found to have a significantly higher complication rate compared to children without DD in our patient population. They did have higher incidence of additional comorbidities and prematurity. This elevated risk should at least be included in pre-operative counseling, but additionally has potential implications for pre-operative decision making and treatment plans in this high-risk population.

Evaluating obesity as a risk factor for complications after pediatric adenotonsillectomy

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate associations between childhood obesity and post-adenotonsillectomy complications, informing guidelines for postoperative management.

METHODS

The retrospective review assessed outpatient pediatric tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy cases performed at 2 ambulatory surgery centers in 2020. Complications in the recovery unit and within 2 weeks of surgical discharge were reviewed along with clinical and demographic variables. Obesity was defined as sex-specific body mass index-for-age, or weight-for-age if height data were unavailable, at/above the 95th percentile. The 99th percentile served as the threshold for severe obesity. Analyses used Chi-square/Fisher's exact tests and independent-samples t-tests with relative risk or effect sizes.

RESULTS

The review included 707 cases (180 patients with obesity). Overall incidence of complications in the recovery unit was 9.1%. Patients with obesity were significantly more likely to require supplemental blow-by oxygen (P = .02); relative risk was 1.65 (95% CI: 1.16-2.35) times greater in the cohort with obesity. Obesity had a small effect on postoperative oxygen saturation nadirs, which were significantly lower among patients with obesity (d = -0.34; P < .001). No differences emerged between cohorts with and without obesity in the incidence of any other complications before or after surgical discharge. Overall incidence of post-discharge returns was 7.9%. Incidence of complications did not vary by obesity severity.

CONCLUSION

From this cohort, childhood obesity without other significant comorbidities may not warrant routine inpatient care following adenotonsillectomy. Patients with obesity should receive additional monitoring for oxygen desaturation events during the first hours of recovery. Further prospective studies should continue to address this important topic.

Postoperative morbidity and mortality after adenoidectomy: A national population-based study of 51 746 surgeries

OBJECTIVES

To investigate postoperative morbidity and mortality after paediatric adenoidectomy.

METHODS

This was a retrospective national population-based cohort study of data from the Swedish National Patient Register (NPR) and The Swedish Cause of Death Register (CDR). All patients aged 0-18 years who underwent adenoidectomy from 2007 to 2017 (without concomitant tonsil surgery) were included in this study. To evaluate postoperative morbidity and mortality, all diagnostic and surgical codes registered in the NPR for health care contacts within 30 days of surgery were analysed. The patients retrieved from the NPR were matched with the CDR to identify any deaths occurring within 30 days of the surgery.

RESULTS

A total of 51 746 adenoidectomies were included in this study. No deaths related to adenoidectomy were identified. All types of haemorrhagic complications were rare. Only 0.1% of the surgeries resulted in an outpatient contact due to postoperative haemorrhage and only 0.1% of the adenoidectomies resulted in a readmission due to haemorrhage. The rarest haemorrhagic complication was RTT (return to theatre), with only 4 events (0.01%). Postoperative haemorrhage was most frequent on the first day after surgery. Other complications were rare as well, requiring a total of 922 (2.6%) outpatient visits and 75 (0.2%) readmissions in the adenoidectomy group, with postoperative infection being the most commonly reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, adenoidectomy should be considered a safe surgical procedure associated with few postoperative complications. No deaths related to adenoidectomy were found. Severe complications, such as late postoperative haemorrhage after adenoidectomy, were rare, and haemorrhage resulting in RTT was even rarer. The highest rate of postoperative haemorrhage was observed the first day after surgery, and most haemorrhagic complications occurred within a week. Comparisons with studies on tonsil surgery show that adenoidectomy is associated with substantially lower postoperative morbidity.

Association of Apnea vs Hypopnea Predominance With Pediatric Sleep Apnea Outcomes: A Secondary Analysis of the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial

Importance

Children with apnea-predominant obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are hypothesized to have a more severe form of the disease. However, research is lacking as to whether there is a significant difference in outcomes between children with apnea-predominant vs hypopnea-predominant OSA.

Objective

To assess the association between baseline apnea-predominant or hypopnea-predominant OSA on polysomnography and quality of life (QOL) outcomes in children with obstructive sleep apnea managed by watchful waiting with supportive care (WWSC) or adenotonsillectomy (AT).

Design, Setting, and Participants

This case-control study is a secondary analysis of a randomized clinical trial, the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial, which was conducted at multiple tertiary children's hospitals from October 2007 to June 2012. Children aged 5.0 to 9.9 years with OSA were randomized to WWSC or AT and underwent polysomnography and completed validated QOL and symptom assessments at baseline and 7 months. The current data analysis was performed from October 2020 to February 2022.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Apnea-predominant OSA was defined as an apnea hypopnea index (AHI) greater than 2 with more than 50% of the obstructive events being apneas. Patients were considered to have hypopnea-predominant OSA if they had an AHI greater than 2 and more than 50% of the obstructive events were hypopneas.

Results

A total of 386 children (185 boys [48%]; mean [SD] age, 6.56 [1.4] years) were analyzed. The mean (SD) obstructive AHI for patients was 6.98 (5.62), with 198 patients (51%) having mild disease. Thirty-seven children (10%) had apnea-predominant OSA at baseline. Black children were at increased risk for apnea-predominant OSA vs White children (odds ratio [OR], 13.40; 95% CI, 5.70-33.90). Children with apnea predominance were more likely to have severe OSA (AHI >10) compared with children with hypopnea predominance (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.03-5.03); baseline Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and OSA-18 QOL scores were similar between the 2 groups. Among children undergoing AT, those with baseline apnea predominance were more likely to have a Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire score greater than 0.33 at follow-up (OR, 3.30; 95% CI, 1.01-10.80). Rates of OSA resolution and improvements in QOL scores following AT or WWSC were similar between the apnea-predominant and hypopnea-predominant groups.

Conclusions and Relevance

In children with OSA, apnea-predominant disease is uncommon. Apnea predominance was not associated with symptom resolution and cure rates in children undergoing AT or WWSC for OSA. Further research is needed to assess how apnea predominance affects AT outcomes in children with more severe disease.

Adenotonsillectomy: the good, the bad and the unknown

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Adenotonsillar hypertrophy is the most common pathogenetic contributor to obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in childhood, and adenotonsillectomy is the standard initial treatment. Here, we summarize the most recent evidence on the efficacy and complications of adenotonsillectomy and explore knowledge gaps in clinical management.

RECENT FINDINGS

Favorable adenotonsillectomy effects have been reported in children with very severe OSAS [apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) >20 episodes/h] and extremely severe OSAS (AHI >100 episodes/h), without postoperative mortality, need for endotracheal intubation, prolonged hospital stay or re-admission after hospital discharge. However, the risk of residual OSAS after adenotonsillectomy, which may reach 30-60%, has not been thoroughly established. Behavior, OSAS-related symptoms and quality of life improve postoperatively even in children with AHI 1-5 episodes/h. Natural history of enuresis resolution is accelerated postadenotonsillectomy and office-based systemic blood pressure is decreased in OSAS and hypertension. However, which children younger than 2 years should undergo adenotonsillectomy instead of adenoidectomy only to prevent recurrence of OSAS symptoms and revision surgery remains unclear. Adenotonsillectomy in children with Prader-Willi syndrome is frequently accompanied by postoperative residual OSAS while complications are not uncommon.

SUMMARY

In the last 2 years, several studies have provided evidence supporting the efficacy and safety of adenotonsillectomy as treatment intervention for otherwise healthy children with OSAS.

[Preliminary study on efficacy and safety of submucosal plasma ablation of inferior turbinate in children with allergic rhinitis complicated with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome]

Objective:This study aimed to investigate the long-term clinical efficacy and safety of inferior turbinate submucosal plasma ablation combined with or without tonsillar and adenoid surgery in children with allergic rhinitis（AR） combined with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome（OSAS） who were ineffective after conservative systemic treatment. Methods:A total of 43 children with AR complicated with OSAS who met the inclusion criteria among 68 children hospitalized from January 2019 to February 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. The data were collected, including the clinical characteristics, surgical methods perioperative management and prevention and treatment of complications. Moreover, one year follow-up was performed to compare the VAS scores of children before and after surgery, and to evaluate their mid-term and long-term outcomes. Results:The average operation time was 36 minutes, meanwhile, the intraoperative blood was limited. The symptoms of nasal congestion, runny nose, sleep snoring, and mouth breathing were significantly improved after operation, and the results were satisfactory after one-year follow-up without complications such as bleeding, hematoma, intraoperative adhesion, and nasal dryness. Conclusion:Submucosal plasma ablation of inferior turbinate with or without tonsillectomy adenoidectomy in children with AR can effectively improve the clinical symptoms of AR combined with OSAS children who are ineffective after conservative treatment. It can improve the symptoms of sleep-disordered breathing such as sleep snoring and mouth breathing, with good mid-and long-term curative effects and fewer complications, which is an effective and safe treatment for children with AR combined with OSAS.

Opioid dose and postoperative respiratory adverse events after adenotonsillectomy in medically complex children

STUDY OBJECTIVES

Obstructive sleep-disordered breathing is commonly treated with adenotonsillectomy. Our study objective was to describe perioperative opioid dosing in children with a range of medical complexity evaluated for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing undergoing adenotonsillectomy and to investigate its association with postoperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs).

METHODS

A retrospective chart review of children who underwent adenotonsillectomy and had preoperative polysomnography performed was conducted. PRAEs included requiring oxygen, jaw thrust, positive airway pressure, or mechanical ventilation. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to examine for associations between covariates and PRAEs.

RESULTS

The cohort included 374 children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing, median (interquartile range) age 6.1 (3.9, 9.3) years; 344 (92%) had obstructive sleep apnea (apnea-hypopnea index > 1 events/h) while 30 (8%) had a normal polysomnogram (apnea-hypopnea index < 1 events/h). The median (interquartile range) postoperative morphine-equivalent dose administered was 0.17 (0.09, 0.25) mg/kg. Sixty-six (17.6%) experienced at least 1 PRAE. Multivariable modeling identified the following predictors of PRAE: younger age at surgery (odds ratio 0.90, 95% confidence interval 0.83, 0.98), presence of cardiac comorbidity (odds ratio 2.07, 95% confidence interval 1.09, 3.89), and presence of airway anomaly (odds ratio 3.48, 95% confidence interval 1.30, 8.94). Higher total apnea-hypopnea index and morphine-equivalent dose were associated with PRAE risk, and an interaction between these variables was detected (P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

This study identified opioid dose in morphine equivalents to be a strong predictor of PRAE. Additionally, severity of obstructive sleep apnea and postoperative morphine-equivalent dose contributed together and independently to the occurrence of PRAEs. Attention to opioid dosing, particularly among medically complex children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing, is required to mitigate risk of PRAEs.

CITATION

Tsampalieros A, Murto K, Barrowman N, et al. Opioid dose and postoperative respiratory adverse events after adenotonsillectomy in medically complex children. J Clin Sleep Med. 2022;18(10):2405-2413.

Remimazolam for the Prevention of Emergence Delirium in Children Following Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy Under Sevoflurane Anesthesia: A Randomized Controlled Study

Purpose

To identify the effectiveness of remimazolam at the end of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for preventing emergence delirium in children under sevoflurane anesthesia.

Patients and Methods

One hundred and four patients aged 3–7 years scheduled for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy under sevoflurane anesthesia were recruited. Patients were randomly assigned to receive either remimazolam 0.2 mg kg^–1 (intervention, n=52) or 0.9% normal saline (control, n=52) at the end of the procedure. The primary outcome was the incidence of emergence delirium, defined as a Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium (PAED) score ≥10. Secondary outcomes were peak PAED score, emergence time, postoperative pain intensity, length of postanesthesia care unit (PACU) stay, parental satisfaction, and postoperative behavior changes three days postoperatively.

Results

Emergence delirium occurred in 6 of 51 (12%) patients receiving remimazolam versus 22 of 50 (44%) patients receiving saline (risk difference 32% [95% confidence interval, 16% to 49%], relative risk 0.27 [95% confidence interval, 0.12 to 0.60]; P<0.001). The peak PAED scores (median [interquartile range]) were lower in the remimazolam group than in the saline group (7 [6–8] versus 9 [8–11], P<0.001). Likewise, parental satisfaction was improved in the remimazolam group compared with the saline group (9 [8–10] versus 8 [7–8], P<0.001). There was no difference between groups concerning postoperative pain scores, length of PACU stay, or postoperative behavior changes.

Conclusion

In children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy, administration of remimazolam 0.2 mg kg^–1 at the end of the surgery, compared with 0.9% saline, resulted in a significantly lower likelihood of emergence delirium after sevoflurane anesthesia.

Effect of Intranasal Dexmedetomidine or Midazolam for Premedication on the Occurrence of Respiratory Adverse Events in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy: A Randomized Clinical Trial

IMPORTANCE

Perioperative respiratory adverse events (PRAEs) are the most common complication during pediatric anesthesia, and they may be affected by the administration of preoperative sedatives.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of intranasal dexmedetomidine or midazolam used for premedication on the occurrence of PRAEs.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

This single-center, double-blind, randomized clinical trial was conducted among children aged 0 to 12 years undergoing elective tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy from October 2020 to June 2021 at Children's Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, China. Data analysis was performed from June to October 2021.

INTERVENTIONS

Children were randomly assigned to 3 groups: the midazolam group received intranasal midazolam (0.1 mg/kg), and the dexmedetomidine group received intranasal dexmedetomidine (2.0 μg/kg) for premedication. The normal saline group received intranasal 0.9% saline for control.

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

The primary outcome was the difference in the incidence of PRAEs among the 3 groups. The secondary outcomes were the frequency of the individual PRAEs, including the incidence of such events during the induction and recovery periods, postoperative emergence delirium, postoperative pain score, sedation success rate, and heart rate values.

RESULTS

A total of 384 children (median [IQR] age, 7 [5-10] years; 227 boys [59.1%]) were enrolled and randomized; 373 data sets were available for intention-to-treat analysis (124 children in the midazolam group, 124 children in the dexmedetomidine group, and 125 children in the normal saline group). After the data were adjusted for age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, body mass index, obstructive sleep apnea, upper respiratory tract infection, and passive smoking, children in the midazolam group were more likely to experience PRAEs than those in the normal saline group (70 of 124 children [56.5%] vs 51 of 125 children [40.8%]; adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.99; 95% CI, 1.18-3.35), whereas the dexmedetomidine group had a significantly lower PRAEs incidence than the normal saline group (30 of 124 children [24.2%] vs 51 of 125 children [40.8%]; aOR, 0.45; 95% CI, 0.26-0.78). Compared with the dexmedetomidine group, the midazolam group had a higher risk of PRAEs (aOR, 4.44; 95% CI, 2.54-7.76), but no other serious clinical adverse events were observed.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

In this randomized clinical trial, intranasal midazolam used for premedication was associated with increased incidence of PRAEs, whereas premedication with intranasal dexmedetomidine was associated with reduced incidence of PRAEs. Where clinically appropriate, anesthesiologists should consider using intranasal dexmedetomidine for sedation in children undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Register Identifier: ChiCTR2000038359.

Tonsillectomy for Obstructive Sleep-Disordered Breathing: Should They Stay, or Could They Go?

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

Children who do not require oxygen beyond 3 hours after surgery and pass a sleep room air challenge (SRAC) are safe for discharge regardless of polysomnogram (PSG) results or comorbidities.

STUDY DESIGN

Cross-sectional prospective study.

METHODS

All children observed overnight undergoing an adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep-disordered breathing were prospectively recruited. Demographic, clinical, and PSG characteristics were stratified by whether the patient had required oxygen beyond 3 hours postoperatively (prolonged oxygen requirement [POR]) and compared using t test, chi-squared test, or Fisher's exact test depending on distribution. Optimal cut points for predicting POR postsurgery were calculated using receiver operating characteristic curves. The primary analysis was performed on the full cohort via logistic regression using POR as the outcome. Significant characteristics were analyzed in a logistic regression model, with significance set at P < .05.

RESULTS

A total of 484 participants met the inclusion criteria. The mean age was 5.65 (standard deviation = 4.02) years. Overall, 365 (75%) did not have a POR or any other adverse respiratory event. In multivariable logistic regression, risk factors for POR were an asthma diagnosis (P < .001) and an awake SpO2  <96% (P = .005). The probability of a POR for those without asthma and a SpO2  ≥ 96% was 18% (95% confidence interval: 14-22). Age, obesity, and obstructive apnea/hypopnea index were not associated with POR.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, all children in our study who are off oxygen within 3 hours of surgery and passed a SRAC were safe for discharge from a respiratory standpoint regardless of age, obesity status, asthma diagnosis, and obstructive apnea/hypopnea index. Additional investigations are necessary to confirm our findings.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 132:1675-1681, 2022.

Association of Patient Characteristics With Postoperative Mortality in Children Undergoing Tonsillectomy in 5 US States

IMPORTANCE

The rate of postoperative death in children undergoing tonsillectomy is uncertain. Mortality rates are not separately available for children at increased risk of complications, including young children (aged <3 y) and those with sleep-disordered breathing or complex chronic conditions.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate postoperative mortality following tonsillectomy in US children, both overall and in relation to recognized risk factors for complications.

DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS

Retrospective cohort study based on longitudinal analysis of linked records in state ambulatory surgery, inpatient, and emergency department discharge data sets distributed by the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project for 5 states covering 2005 to 2017. Participants included 504 262 persons younger than 21 years for whom discharge records were available to link outpatient or inpatient tonsillectomy with at least 90 days of follow-up.

EXPOSURES

Tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

Postoperative death within 30 days or during a surgical stay lasting more than 30 days. Modified Poisson regression with sample weighting was used to estimate postoperative mortality per 100 000 operations, both overall and in relation to age group, sleep-disordered breathing, and complex chronic conditions.

RESULTS

The 504 262 children in the cohort underwent a total of 505 182 tonsillectomies (median [IQR] patient age, 7 [4-12] years; 50.6% females), of which 10.1% were performed in young children, 28.9% in those with sleep-disordered breathing, and 2.8% in those with complex chronic conditions. There were 36 linked postoperative deaths, which occurred a median (IQR) of 4.5 (2-20.5) days after surgical admission, and most of which (19/36 [53%]) occurred after surgical discharge. The unadjusted mortality rate was 7.04 (95% CI, 4.97-9.98) deaths per 100 000 operations. In multivariable models, neither age younger than 3 years nor sleep-disordered breathing was significantly associated with mortality, but children with complex chronic conditions had significantly higher mortality (16 deaths/14 299 operations) than children without these conditions (20 deaths/490 883 operations) (117.22 vs 3.87 deaths per 100 000 operations; adjusted rate difference, 113.55 [95% CI, 51.45-175.64] deaths per 100 000 operations; adjusted rate ratio, 29.39 [95% CI, 13.37-64.62]). Children with complex chronic conditions accounted for 2.8% of tonsillectomies but 44% of postoperative deaths. Most deaths associated with complex chronic conditions occurred in children with neurologic/neuromuscular or congenital/genetic disorders.

CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE

Among children undergoing tonsillectomy, the rate of postoperative death was 7 per 100 000 operations overall and 117 per 100 000 operations among children with complex chronic conditions. These findings may inform decision-making for pediatric tonsillectomy.

Effect of intravascular dexamethasone injection after powered intracapsular tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy in children

PURPOSE

To compare postoperative pain, nausea and vomiting, and bleeding between intravascular dexamethasone injection group and control group among children undergoing powered intracapsular tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (PITA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective review of medical records was performed for pediatric patients who underwent PITA from March 1, 2017, to February 28, 2021, at a tertiary referral medical center in South Korea. Postoperative pain and nausea were measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) from the postoperative day (POD) 0 to POD 6. The number of analgesics administered and the number of vomiting episodes were recorded in the same period. The repeatedly measured parameters were statistically analyzed between the dexamethasone group and control group.

RESULTS

A total of 71 children with complete questionnaires including 44 boys and 27 girls were included, and the mean age was 7.49 ± 2.44 years. There were 33 patients in the dexamethasone group and 38 in the control group. Postoperative pain (p = 0.169) or nausea (p = 0.460) on the VAS showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups. Postoperative analgesics showed no difference between the groups (p = 0.398), and neither did postoperative vomiting (p = 0.270). In both groups, no child showed signs of postoperative bleeding.

CONCLUSIONS

This study indicates that the beneficial effects of intravascular dexamethasone administration in PITA may not be evident. This might be due to the superior outcome of the PITA technique compared to total extracapsular tonsillectomy. Therefore, otolaryngologists performing PITA may not necessarily need to administer dexamethasone in children before surgery.

Delayed onset of tooth decay in a routine pediatric adenotonsillectomy

Adenotonsillectomy is a common pediatric surgical procedure with a well-defined safety profile. Major complications from this procedure include bleeding/hemorrhage, infection, pain leading to dehydration, and airway obstruction or edema. Though rare, oral endotracheal intubation and oral retractor placement may result in injuries to the teeth and the surrounding soft tissue. We describe a rare case of delayed tooth decay in a 3-year-old female following an otherwise routine adenotonsillectomy.

Effects of adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy on the cardiovascular system in children: a meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

Adenoid or adenotonsillar hypertrophy (AATH) causes upper airway obstruction, leading to cardiovascular complications. This meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy (AATE) on the cardiovascular system.

METHODS

Using the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and EMBASE databases, we identified studies involving a comparison of preoperative and postoperative cardiovascular function in children with AATH. The Cochrane Collaboration's Review Manager 5.3 software was used for meta-analysis.

RESULTS

A total of 13 studies with 706 participants were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significant reduction in mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) of patients after AATE compared with preoperative values. The left ventricular myocardial function index (LVMPI) and the right ventricular myocardial function index (RVMPI) showed a significant decrease after the operation. Moreover, AATE prominently increased left ventricular ejection time (LVET) and right ventricular ejection time (RVET) and reduced the left ventricular interventricular septum diameter (LVIVSD) and the right ventricular end-diastolic diameter (RVedD). There was no significant difference in mPAP, LVMPI, RVMPI, LVET, RVET, LVIVSD, and RVedD between postoperative patients and healthy children (P  > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

AATE can improve cardiovascular function in pediatric patients with AATH. Specifically, it reduces mPAP and LVMPI/RVMPI in pediatric patients. Furthermore, AATE increases LVET and RVET and reduces LVIVSD and RVedD.

Outcomes of a Postoperative Data-Extraction Questionnaire After Adenotonsillectomy in Children

OBJECTIVES/HYPOTHESIS

To evaluate outcomes of a postoperative telephone questionnaire for children who underwent adenotonsillectomy (T&A). To determine whether episodes of postoperative hemorrhage were not captured until the call, and whether this impacted knowledge of physician rates of hemorrhage.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective database analysis.

METHODS

Retrospective analysis of outcomes of an 11-question data extraction tool utilized at a tertiary care children's hospital for follow-up in T&A patients <18 years of age over a 2-year period. Sub-analysis of positive responses to the question asking about incidence of postoperative hemorrhage.

RESULTS

During the study period, 1,068/3,142 (34.0%) parents responded to the phone call. Median age was 6.0 years (interquartile range [IQR] 4.0-8.2), and 566 (53.0%) were male. Ninety (8.4%) noted that the child was still snoring, but only 9 (0.84%) reported signs of obstructed breathing. A total of 402 (37.6%) reported a voice change after surgery. Most children (n = 885, 82.9%) did not receive opioid analgesics, and 252 (23.6%) received acetaminophen/ibuprofen 7 days postoperatively. Return visits to the emergency department were reported in 149 patients; primarily for hemorrhage in 46 (30.8%). In 7 (15.2%) patients, the hemorrhage event was not recorded until the call. The majority-of respondents (n = 1,031, 96.5%) were satisfied with the outcome of the procedure.

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative T&A tool provided a means of gathering information on success and satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Children were able to be managed primarily with acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Most complications were captured in the electronic record, although some episodes of hemorrhage were not noted until the call, emphasizing the importance of follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3 Laryngoscope, 2021.

The comparison of ketamine with tramadol for postoperative pain relief on children following adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

INTRODUCTION

The comparison of ketamine with tramadol for pain control remains controversial in pediatric adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy of ketamine vs tramadol for pain relief in children following adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy.

METHODS

We have searched PubMed, EMbase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through October 2019 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effect of ketamine vs tramadol for pediatric adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effects model.

RESULTS

Six RCTs are included in the meta-analysis. Overall, compared to ketamine group for pediatric adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy, tramadol is associated with substantially lower CHEOPS at 1 h (SMD = 1.56; 95% CI = 0.20-2.92; P = .02; low quality) and longer first time of additional pain medication (SMD = -0.47; 95% CI = -0.74 to -0.19; P = .0008; low quality), but demonstrates no obvious effect on CHEOPS at 6 h (SMD = 0.51; 95% CI = -1.17 to 2.19; P = .55; low quality), sedation scale at 1 h (SMD = -0.80; 95% CI = -3.07 to 1.48; P = .49; low quality) or additional pain medication (RR = 1.31; 95% CI = 0.85-2.02; P = .23; moderate quality).

CONCLUSIONS

Tramadol may be better to alleviate the postoperative pain after pediatric adenotonsillectomy or tonsillectomy.

Using Lean to Improve Patient Safety and Resource Utilization After Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this quality improvement project was to decrease the rate of nonemergent use of emergency department (ED) resources in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy by 50% and/or reach a future state of 5% or less overall ED visits among all postoperative patients within 1 year. A secondary objective was to standardize the preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative management of these patients.

METHODS

The study was a quality improvement project using Lean. The target population was children younger than 18 years undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy. A retrospective review of adenotonsillectomy was performed for a 12-month period. Lean tools including A3 Thinking, Ishikawa "fishbone" diagram, and value stream mapping were used to analyze the problem and identify interventions. Postintervention data were collected for a 10-month period.

RESULTS

Compared with the baseline period, the ED visit rate after adenotonsillectomy decreased from 36.2% to 15.5% (P = 0.0095). The rate of ED visits for nonbleeding complaints decreased from 30.4% to 12.1% (P = 0.01748). There was no significant change in rate of ED visits for bleeding (decreased from 5.8% to 3.5% [P = 0.6873]). There was no significant change in the use of intraoperative dexamethasone and acetaminophen.

CONCLUSIONS

Postadenotonsillectomy patients often use emergency resources better reserved for other patients. Addressing this problem with Lean principles significantly decreased postoperative ED visit rates by more than 50%.

IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE

To our knowledge, this is the first reported use of Lean principles to decrease utilization of emergency resources in the postoperative period. Lean can be applied to other processes in our field to eliminate waste and add value to improve patient outcomes.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

NA.

Dexamethasone and post-adenotonsillectomy pain in children: Double-blind, randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

To assess the impact of intraoperative intravenous dexamethasone on the reduction of postoperative morbidity in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy.

METHODS

A double blind randomized controlled trial conducted among children undergoing adenotonsillectomy at a tertiary hospital in Korea from November 2018 to June 2019. Children were randomly assigned to receive dexamethasone (0.5 mg/kg, maximum dose 24 mg) or placebo intravenously after induction of anesthesia. The primary endpoint was the reduction of postoperative pain and postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV); secondary endpoints were adverse effects like postoperative hemorrhage.

RESULTS

The study included 105 children, and 67 were male. Their mean age was 6.2 ± 2.1 years. There was no significant difference between the groups in terms of demographic data or the operation time. The pain scores of the dexamethasone group were lower than those of the control group, but no significant difference was found (all P > .05). The average pain visual analog scale (VAS) during the study period (day 0-7) was 3.67 ± 1.59 and 4.40 ± 2.01 in the dexamethasone group and control group, respectively (P-value = .107). When we compared early pain VAS (day 0-2) and late pain VAS (day 5-7), the dexamethasone group showed significantly lower early mean VAS compared to the control group (4.55 ± 1.78 vs 5.40 ± 2.05, P-value = .046). The mean VAS for PONV was significantly lower in the dexamethasone group than in the control group (1.89 ± 2.22 vs 3.00 ± 2.37, P value = .044).

CONCLUSION

In children undergoing adenotonsillectomy, dexamethasone decreased the early postoperative pain and PONV without increasing postoperative hemorrhage.

Pre- Versus Post-Tonsillectomy Intraoperative Bupivacaine Injection in the Pediatric Population: An Age- and Surgical Indication-Stratified Analysis

OBJECTIVES

Postoperative respiratory depression is of concern in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy receiving postoperative opioids and may be mitigated with intraoperative bupivacaine. This study aims to compare the impact of bupivacaine on postoperative pain and sedation in various pediatric age and surgical indication subgroups.

METHODS

This is a case series with chart review of 181 patients <18 years old undergoing adenotonsillectomy at a tertiary care center (2013-2016). Postoperative outcomes were compared between those who received intraoperative bupivacaine before (pre-tonsillectomy) or after (post-tonsillectomy) tonsil removal and those who did not (none) using χ² test and analysis of variance. Subanalysis was performed after stratifying into age and surgical indication subgroups.

RESULTS

Ninety-eight patients were included in the pre-tonsillectomy group, 47 in the post-tonsillectomy group, and 36 in the none group. The number of postanesthesia care unit opioid doses (P = .159) and pain scores at arrival (P = .362) or discharge (P = .255) were not significantly different between treatment groups overall. Among 0- to 5-year-olds, pre-tonsillectomy injection was associated with lowest mean (SD) discharge pain score of 0.55 (1.29) pre-tonsillectomy versus 0.71 (1.37) post-tonsillectomy versus 2 (1.63) none group (P = .004). Among 12- to 17-year-olds, no injection was associated with lowest mean (SD) discharge pain score of 2.33 (0.52) pre-tonsillectomy versus 5 (2.65) post-tonsillectomy versus 1.63 (1.60) none group (P = .020). Injection in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and/or sleep-disordered breathing did not improve postoperative outcomes.

CONCLUSION

Intraoperative bupivacaine may improve pain scores in younger pediatric populations, though it may not impact the amount of postoperative opioid use. Prospective analysis with a larger sample size is warranted to better outline opioid usage and pain control in this group.

Paediatric Day Case Tonsillectomy - Audit of a New Programme

Aims The primary objective of this audit was to assess 30-day unplanned admission or readmission rates following day case tonsillectomy. Secondary objectives included assessing demographic characteristics of patients and surgical and anaesthetic techniques employed. Methods Retrospective chart review was performed. Results 34 tonsillectomies or adenotonsillectomies were performed for children aged between 5 and 17 years. A total of six patients (17.6%) were either admitted from the day ward or readmitted within 30 days. This was not statistically significantly greater than the maximum acceptable rate of 15% as recommended by ENT UK and the Royal College of Surgeons (95% confidence intervals 4.8% - 30.5%, p = 0.33). Of these admissions, one (2.9%) was due to nausea and inadequate oral intake, one (2.9%) was due to clinical concerns regarding sleep apnoea and four readmissions (11.8%) were due to bleeding. Anaesthesia techniques used varied considerably. Conclusion Further multidisciplinary co-operation and standardisation of care may help to improve this programme and reduce unplanned admission and readmission rates.

Post-tonsillectomy respiratory complications in children with sleep disordered breathing

OBJECTIVE

A common indication for tonsillectomy in children is clinically diagnosed sleep disordered breathing (SDB) without confirmation of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) by polysomnography (PSG). Our goal was to review rates of post-tonsillectomy respiratory complications in children with SDB without prior PSG in order to develop recommendations for postoperative monitoring and safe hospital discharge in this population.

METHODS

Following Institutional Review Board (IRB) approval at Penn State Milton S. Hershey Medical Center, a database query using Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes for tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy (42820, 42821, 42825, 42826) between January 1, 2012 and December 31, 2017 was performed. International Classification of Diseases (ICD) codes for sleep disordered breathing (G47.30), snoring (R06.83), and obstructive sleep apnea (G47.33) were applied for further selection. Charts were individually reviewed to confirm the inclusion criteria of pediatric patients (≤18 years) who underwent tonsillectomy without prior PSG and were monitored overnight. Demographic, operative, and relevant postoperative hospital course data (including desaturations, supplemental oxygen requirements, and upgraded level of care) were collected.

RESULTS

A total of 1874 unique patient encounters were identified by our database search and 364 children met inclusion criteria. The average age of the patient population was 6.5 ± 3.1 years and 52.2% of children were female. Mean z-score for the population was 0.6. The rate of overnight oxygen desaturation events (<95%) was 2.2%, with no severe complications found in this population. Children with desaturation events were supplemented with oxygen and resolved prior to hospital discharge. Only race was found to be significantly related to risk of mild overnight desaturations (P = 0.023).

CONCLUSION

A lack of significant postoperative respiratory complications or alterations in the clinical management of children with SDB without prior PSG supports the idea that such patients may safely be discharged from the hospital following tonsillectomy without overnight oxygen monitoring.