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This case report describes a patient with intellectual disability who presented with a neglected midline nasal mass eroding the anterior skull base, which was found to be a Grade II meningioma likely of the olfactory bulb. Points of interest include differential diagnosis of this atypical mass of the sinonasal tract, as well as decision-making in balancing appropriate management and quality of life in a patient with developmental delay who could not make decisions for herself. Literature review regarding the role of adjuvant radiation based on final diagnosis and extent of disease suggests that radiation can improve locoregional control and overall survival with atypical meningioma. Lack of clear information in the literature on these rare conditions can lead to poor understanding on the part of the treatment team and the healthcare proxies who are making decisions, making goals of care discussions and medical decision-making challenging. This case report seeks to add to the available data on management of atypical meningiomas of the sinonasal tract and olfactory bulb.
RESUMO
OBJECTIVE: This prospective study aimed to survey pediatric patients and their parents after tonsillectomy to assess their pain management utilization and satisfaction. INTRODUCTION: Tonsillectomy is the second most common surgical procedure performed in pediatric patients. Postoperative recovery is often associated with high levels of pain and severe functional limitations. There is currently no consensus on pain control regimens. Additionally, a recent FDA Black Box Warning on narcotic use has caused more uncertainty in appropriate pain control regimens. METHODS: 111 pediatric patients (≤18 years) included in this study underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy between October 2013 and August 2015. Postoperatively, each patient/parent was counseled to alternate on an over-the-counter regimen of acetaminophen and ibuprofen and given an additional as-needed acetaminophen with hydrocodone prescription. A survey was administered during the patient's 2-week follow-up that included questions regarding pain levels, worst post-op pain day, pain medications taken during recovery, and patient/parental perceived satisfaction of having the acetaminophen with hydrocodone prescription. RESULTS: 84 patients/parents (75.7%) felt that OTC medications were not adequate for pain control and used hydrocodone at least once. Between those who took hydrocodone versus those who did not, there was no significant difference in mean age (6.7 ± 2.9 vs. 6.0 ± 2.4 years), percentage of patients with severe pain (36.9% vs. 22.2%) and worst post-op pain day (4.3 ± 1.5 vs. 3.9 ± 1.9 days) (p > 0.05). However, regardless of pain control regimen followed, the majority of patients/parents found it valuable to have the hydrocodone prescription (p = 0.004). CONCLUSION: Post-tonsillectomy patients and their parents find being provided with an acetaminophen-hydrocodone prescription is therapeutically valuable, and many find it necessary in their postoperative pain management. However, further studies are needed to determine patient factors that influence narcotic utilization.