[The effect of corticosteroids in children and adolescents after tonsillectomy in the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting, pain and bleeding]. / Kortikosteroide zur Prävention von postoperativer Ubelkeit und Erbrechen, Schmerzen und Blutungen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen nach Tonsillektomie.

Tonsillectomy and adenotomy are the most common pediatric surgical procedures, with approximately five millions performed each year worldwide (O'Mathúna, Wiffen & Conlon, 2010). However, this procedure is accompanied by significant postoperative morbidity, which may include postoperative pain, postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV), poor oral intake with consequent dehydration and postoperative bleeding (Hanasono et al., 2004). If pain is not treated effectively, it can cause avoidance behaviors related to further healthcare. Inadequate pain management has been found to increase morbidity and mortality rates in postoperative patients of all ages (O'Mathúna, Wiffen & Conlon, 2010). In addition, there is an increase in the incidence of PONV: 40% in children with pain compared to 16% in children without pain. PONV also disturbs significantly the wellbeing and patient satisfaction, it can lead to a substantial prolongation of time in the recovery room with increased costs of personal care. In pediatric patients PONV is the most common cause of the approximately 1% to 2% of unplanned hospitalizations following outpatient surgery (Rüsch et al., 2010). The incidence of bleeding after tonsillectomy is approximately 0.5-10%, with deaths occurring in 1 in 20,000 patients (Kim et al., 2011). In recent years, several scientists have explored the effect ofcorticosteroids in the reduction of morbidity after tonsillectomy. In this publication, the question is addressed to what extent perioperatively administered corticosteroids can reduce pain, PONV and postoperative bleeding in the context of tonsillectomy in children and adolescents. For this purpose, a narrative literature analysis of the electronic databases and journals was conducted. There is evidence that corticosteroids can reduce postoperative morbidity. However, no evident and clear recommendation can be drawn from the advices of the various studies.

Anesthetic management in a pediatric patient with Noonan syndrome, mastocytosis, and von Willebrand disease: a case report.

This case report describes anesthetic considerations for a 6-year-old boy, admitted for adenoidectomy under general anesthesia, who had a complicated medical history, including mastocytosis, Noonan syndrome, and von Willebrand disease. Each affected the anesthetic plan and was addressed preoperatively among all surgical and anesthesia providers. Mastocytosis created a major concern, with its increased numbers of histamine-filled mast cells. Each drug that was added or eliminated from the anesthetic plan, to prevent histamine release by the activation of triggers, was considered. Patient handling and temperature control were also concerns. One of Noonan syndrome's characteristics is heart anomalies. This patient had a history of a patent foramen ovale and pulmonary stenosis; therefore, air was carefully removed from all intravenous lines and syringes. The main concern for bleeding difficulties was attributed to the history of von Willebrand disease, which results in prolonged bleeding time and can lead to delayed bleeding or serious postsurgical hemorrhage. Desmopressin was administered preoperatively to increase platelet aggregation and the von Willebrand factor level. The use of aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs was avoided. We discuss the clinical and anesthetic management of this case with a review of pertinent literature.

Picture book support for preparing children ahead of and during day surgery.

Aim To develop and evaluate the use of a specific picture book aiming to prepare children for anaesthesia and surgery. Methods An intervention comparing two different information methods before ear, nose and throat day surgery was performed. The intervention involved using a specific information sheet and a specific picture book. Parents (n=104) of children aged 2-12 years completed open-ended questions that were analysed with qualitative content analysis. They were divided into two groups: one group received routine information and one received routine information and the intervention. Findings The picture sheet and picture book were valuable aids to prepare small children for anaesthesia and surgery by explaining the procedures that would take place. The parents expressed that knowledge of the procedures made them and the child feel secure. Conclusion Peri-operative information through pictures supports children and their parents during day surgery and may be helpful in future healthcare visits.

Postoperative risks of pediatric tonsilloadenoidectomy.

Tonsilloadenoidectomy is performed over 340,000 times per year in the United States, usually as a same day admission procedure with a postoperative overnight stay. Because of the current emphasis on reducing health care costs, many insurers are requiring the procedure of tonsilloadenoidectomy be performed on an outpatient basis, even though there is a lack of data supporting the safety of such a requirement. The charts of 2,944 pediatric patients who underwent tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy from January 1, 1983 to December 31, 1984 were reviewed. Analyses revealed predictive variables that could be used to identify patients with a low risk of complications. Nineteen percent of the patients could be released 4 hours postoperatively with an 8.1% chance of subsequent complications. No patients who underwent the combined procedure of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy were in this group. Of the remaining patients, 0.4% could be released 6 hours after surgery, or 85.9% could be released 8 hours after surgery, or 98.2% could be released 10 hours after surgery, all with a less than 10% chance of subsequent complications. This study supports keeping tonsilloadenoidectomy patients at least 8 hours and possible 10 hours after surgery to minimize the risk of complications after discharge.

The effect of post-operative instructions on recovery after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

The effect of postoperative diet and activity instructions on the recovery rate after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T & A) was assessed in 92 children ages 3 to 14 years. Two types of postoperative instruction were randomly assigned: 'Restricted', which advised limited, stay at home activities and a soft food liquid diet for 7-10 days, and 'nonrestricted', which advised return to activity and diet as tolerated by the child. Parental evaluation of the levels of pain, activity, and diet using an equal intervals scale was obtained. The number of doses of pain medication, the types of food eaten and postoperative complications were also recorded. No significant differences were found between the two groups in pain level, activity tolerance, return to normal diet, and numbers of doses of pain medication at day 3 and day 7 after surgery. More 'junk' food and spicy foods were eaten in the 'nonrestricted' group. Postoperative hemorrhage requiring intervention occurred in one child in each group. Implications for the children and their families undergoing T & A are discussed with attention to a review of the literature.

Oral fluid intake in children following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

In response to concerns raised by nursing staff about forcing children to drink following tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T & A), a study was conducted to test for adequacy of hydration. Seventy-four children admitted to The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto, for T & A surgery were randomly assigned to two groups: the first forced to drink after surgery according to the hospital's nursing care plan, the second given control over fluid intake. A significant difference in fluid adequacy was found between the groups 6 hours after return from the recovery room but none at 8 hours. As a result, fluid management of children after T & A surgery has been changed so that they are encouraged rather than forced to drink.

Quality improvement study of day surgery for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy patients.

Ongoing efforts to contain costs in health care have had an impact on the delivery of care in the ambulatory setting. Many patients previously admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay are now discharged home within hours of surgery. In response to concerns raised by nursing staff about same-day discharge of patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A), a quality improvement (QI) study was conducted. Data from more than 150 families over a 2-year period were collected, using the clinical indicator of safe discharge. The data were obtained during the patient's recovery room stay, the first post-operative day, and 2 weeks after surgery. Findings suggested that some of the teaching done by nurses was useful and some needed revision to meet patients' needs. Changes regarding pain management, fluid management, and post-operative bleeding were addressed.

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. Laser procedures.

Laser tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy appear to be gaining popularity. Benefits of such procedures include reduced pain and edema, minimum scar tissue, and hemostasis. The benefits to the surgeon include accuracy and a clear, dry operative field. Recently, some surgeons have used lasers on a routine basis. The role of the perioperative nurse in such procedures is rapidly changing. He or she as a patient advocate must be informed of technical advances as well as benefits, risks, and costs to patients.

Pediatric tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures.

The most common pediatric surgical procedures performed in the United States today are tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies (T&A). Surgical team members must be highly trained and efficient to ensure optimal patient outcomes, reduce surgical costs, and decrease the risk and potential complications inherent in T&A procedures. The authors review current surgical indications for T&A procedures; recommended preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative patient care; and the management of potential complications.

Postoperative tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy hemorrhage: a retrospective chart review.

Post-operative hemorrhage is the most serious and life-threatening complication of tonsillectomy. A medical records review was conducted of patients who underwent a tonsillectomy with or without an adenoidectomy over a five year period at the New York Eye and Ear Infirmary. This quality assurance project aimed to examine the incidence, etiology, contributing factors, and management of primary vs. secondary postoperative hemorrhage at this 100-bed tertiary care facility. The findings of this retrospective review parallel those published from other centers. This paper will discuss findings and implications for otorhinolaryngology nursing practice.