Intracapsular Tonsillectomy Using Plasma Ablation Versus Total Tonsillectomy: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis.

Objective: To determine whether intracapsular tonsillectomy, using plasma ablation, results in differences in postoperative patient outcomes to total tonsillectomy. Data Sources: A systematic review of two databases (Embase and PubMed) was conducted in March 2022 to identify published English-language randomized controlled trials and observational studies which provided a comparison between intracapsular tonsillectomy, using plasma ablation, and total tonsillectomy. Review Methods: Qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis were used to compare outcomes between techniques. Results: Seventeen studies were identified for inclusion. Across these, 1996 and 4565 patients underwent intracapsular and total tonsillectomy, respectively. Studies included 8 randomized controlled trials, 1 prospective cohort study, and 8 retrospective cohort studies. Time to pain free, time on analgesia, time to normal diet, and time to normal activity were significantly shorter with intracapsular tonsillectomy by on average 4.2 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.5-5.9; p < .0001), 4.1 (95% CI 2.7-5.4; p < .0001), 3.5 (95% CI 1.7-5.4; p = .0002) and 2.8 (95% CI 1.6-4; p < .0001) days, respectively. Risk of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage was significantly lower following intracapsular tonsillectomy (relative risk [RR] 0.36; 95% CI 0.16-0.81; p = .0131); risk of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage requiring surgical management was lower but failed to reach significance (RR 0.52; 95% CI 0.19-1.39; p = .19). Conclusion: Intracapsular tonsillectomy using plasma ablation has similar efficacy in managing indications for tonsil surgery to total tonsillectomy while significantly reducing the postoperative morbidity and likelihood of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage experienced by patients, allowing them to return to their normal life faster.

Comprehensive management of anterior drooling: An International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) consensus statement.

OBJECTIVE: To provide guidance for the comprehensive management of children referred for anterior drooling. The mission of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG) is to develop expertise-based recommendations for the management of pediatric otolaryngologic disorders with the goal of improving patient care. METHODS: Survey of expert opinion by the members of the International Pediatric Otolaryngology Group (IPOG). The recommendations are derived from current expert consensus and critical review of the literature. RESULTS: Consensus recommendations include initial care and approach recommendations for health care providers who commonly evaluate children with drooling. This includes evaluation and treatment considerations for commonly debated issues in drooling management, initial work-up of children referred for anterior drooling, treatment recommendations, indications and contra-indications for rehabilitation, medical, and surgical management, as well as pros and cons of different surgical procedures in the hands of drooling management experts. CONCLUSION: Anterior drooling consensus recommendations are aimed at improving patient-centered care in children referred for sialorrhea.

Coblation intracapsular tonsillectomy: A cohort study of NHS practice in England using Hospital Episode Statistics.

OBJECTIVES: To identify paediatric intracapsular Coblation tonsillectomy procedures from routine administrative data in England, and determine their safety. DESIGN: Retrospective observational cohort study of four ENT centres using routine data from Hospital Episode Statistics (HES). SETTING: Acute NHS trusts in England conducting exclusively intracapsular Coblation tonsillectomy. PARTICIPANTS: Children (≤16 years old) undergoing bilateral intracapsular Coblation tonsillectomy. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Number of procedures, readmissions for pain, readmissions for bleeding and requirement for additional surgery for regrowth. RESULTS: A total of 5525 procedures were identified. The median patient age was 4 (IQR 2-5). In-hospital complications occurred in 1%, with 0.1% returning to theatre for arrest of primary tonsil bleeding. Almost half of the procedures were conducted as a day-case (44%), with only a small proportion staying in hospital more than one night (7%). Within 28 days, 1.2% of patients were readmitted with bleeding, 0.7% with infection and 0.3% with pain; 0.2% of patients required return to theatre for control of secondary haemorrhage. Longitudinal follow-up has found that revision tonsil surgery is 0.3% at 1 year (n = 4498), 1.1% at 2 years (n = 2938), 1.7% at 3 years (n = 1781), 1.9% at 4 years (n = 905) and 2.2% at 5 years (n = 305). CONCLUSIONS: Intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy safety outcomes in this study show primary and secondary bleeding rates and emergency return to theatre rates are lower than all tonsillectomy techniques reported in the National Prospective Tonsillectomy Audit and also lower than previously published Hospital Episode Statistics analysis of tonsillectomy procedures.

LID study: Plasma lidocaine levels following airway topicalisation for paediatric microlaryngobronchoscopy (MLB).

OBJECTIVES: A dose of 5 mg/kg lidocaine is considered appropriate for paediatric airway topicalisation. Existing literature suggests that younger children are susceptible to toxic lidocaine plasma levels and achieve this at a faster rate. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome of this study was to ascertain peak plasma lidocaine levels after topicalisation for airway endoscopy. Secondary endpoints included: time to peak lidocaine plasma levels, signs of lidocaine toxicity (restricted to ECG changes or seizures when under anaesthesia) and clinical adverse events of laryngospasm, coughing or desaturation during the procedure. SETTING: Data were collected prospectively over 18 months at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. PARTICIPANTS: Children aged 0-8 years undergoing elective diagnostic or therapeutic airway endoscopy were included within the study. DESIGN: Standardised 2% lidocaine was used for airway topicalisation. Dose varied depending upon the practitioner's usual practice. Venous bloodsampling occurred at 5, 10, 15 and 20 min post-administration and plasma lidocaine levels (ng/ml) were analysed. RESULTS: A significant relationship exists between higher peak plasma levels and ages <18 months (p = .00973). Strong linear correlation exists between body weight and age for our cohort (r = .88). Higher peak plasma lidocaine levels occur with total dose volumes between 2 and 3 mls of 2% lidocaine local anaesthetic (p = .03) compared with <2 ml total dose volumes. Data suggest a potential relationship of lower body weights achieving higher peak plasma levels (p = .0516). Reduced interquartile variation of peak plasma lidocaine levels exists when lidocaine dosing is <5 mg/kg. CONCLUSIONS: Age and total dose volume of topicalised lidocaine have a significant relationship with plasma lidocaine levels. A dose of 5 mg/kg topicalised lidocaine for paediatric airway endoscopy is safe and provides good operating conditions. Lower patient body weights trend towards higher peak lidocaine plasma concentrations and require further investigation.

Gardener-associated fibroma: an unusual cause of upper airway obstruction.

We present the first case of upper airway obstruction secondary to a retropharyngeal Gardner-associated fibroma (GAF). A 16-month-old infant presented with a 3-month history of worsening dyspnoea and apnoeic episodes. Examination revealed stridor and left-sided retropharyngeal asymmetry. MRI demonstrated a mass in the retropharynx. Tracheostomy and pharyngeal biopsy under anaesthesia were performed, and histology confirmed a diagnosis of GAF. The mass was excised using a transcervical approach, and postoperative recovery was unremarkable. GAF is associated with Gardner's syndrome (GS) and familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP), both of which are associated with multiple colonic polyps and increased risk of colorectal malignancy. Subsequent testing for an APC mutation seen in GS and FAP was negative in our patient. The details of this unusual presentation of a rare disease are given in addition to a review of the literature.

Surgical Management of the Drooling Child.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Our goal is to present the most up-to-date options in the surgical management of drooling in the paediatric population. While the clinical assessment of the drooling child and conservative management options are discussed, this review focuses on the most recent evidence for surgical interventions to treat drooling in children. RECENT FINDINGS: In terms of advances in the management of drooling, further experience and outcomes with the use of botulinum toxin injections is discussed. Moreover, the latest evidence-base for salivary duct ligation and relocation procedures are presented. Finally, the trans-oral approach to submandibular gland excision for the management of drooling may gain popularity through the aim of reducing surgical morbidity. SUMMARY: The drooling child should be managed with an evidence-based stepwise approach delivered by a multidisciplinary team (MDT). Children with normal neurological development should be treated conservatively through parental reassurance. There are numerous interventions available for the drooling child with impaired neuromuscular development. When conservative measures fail, treatment options include botulinum toxin injections and surgical procedures such as salivary duct ligation, salivary duct relocation and salivary gland excision. Management must be targeted to the individual needs and comorbidities of the child to maximise treatment outcomes.

Airway obstruction in children with cerebral palsy: need for tracheostomy?

OBJECTIVE: To examine the progress of the airway obstruction over time in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and the timing of any interventions. METHODS: The medical notes of patients with CP younger than 16 years admitted with airway obstruction to a tertiary referral Pediatric Otolaryngology Center from 2006 to 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. The gender, age of referral, co-morbidities, type of surgical intervention and age this was performed and the time interval between sequential surgeries were documented. RESULTS: Fifteen children with CP and airway obstruction were admitted, eight boys and seven girls with an average age of referral 8 years (range 3-13.3 years). Adenotonsillectomy was performed in 11/15 patients at a mean age of 9.1 years (range 4.5-14 years). Tracheostomy was performed in 8/15 children at an average age of 11.6 years (range 7.5-15 years). Seven out of 11 patients having undergone adenotonsillectomy, required tracheostomy after an average time interval of 1.9 years (range 0.5-3.5 years). Tracheostomy was performed in 80% of referred patients with CP older than 10 years, while surgical intervention was uncommon in children younger than 5 years. There was a statistically significant correlation between the age of the children and the performance of a tracheostomy (Pearson's correlation coefficient 0.68, p = 0.005). CONCLUSIONS: The severity of the airway obstruction in children with CP tends to increase with age. We postulate that this increase results from worsening hypotonia of pharyngeal musculature. Children with CP and severe upper airway obstruction are likely to require tracheostomy as they grow older.

Vocal cord paralysis following central line insertion in a neonate: a review of the literature.

Acute onset stridor in a neonate following general anaesthesia is commonly attributed to laryngeal oedema secondary to anaesthetic airway trauma. The authors present a case of recurrent laryngeal nerve injury resulting in vocal cord paralysis causing stridor following central venous catheterisation under general anaesthesia in a neonate. This was managed expectantly and resolved spontaneously over a period of 6 months.

Congenital nasal piriform aperture stenosis with vestibular abnormality.

We present a neonate with congenital nasal piriform aperture stenosis associated with an abnormal vestibular aperture. Radiological evaluation with CT is essential to confirm the diagnosis and delineate the anatomy for surgical planning. Extension of the scan field of view to include the petrous temporal bone is essential to identify associated abnormalities of the vestibule.

H-type tracheoesophageal fistula with type III laryngotracheoesophageal cleft.

H-type tracheoesophageal fistula and laryngotracheoesophageal cleft are both rare anomalies. Laryngotracheoesophageal clefts are identified as a part of Opitz-Frias syndrome. We report a neonate with this combination of rare congenital anomalies. These associated malformations can have major implications in terms of resuscitation, diagnosis and surgical management, which are discussed.

Nasal polyps: still more questions than answers.

Nasal polyps are common, affecting one to four per cent of the population. Their cause, however, remains unknown and it is possible that it is not the same in all patients. They have a clear association with asthma, aspirin sensitivity and cystic fibrosis. Histologically they demonstrate large quantities of extracellular fluid, mast cell degranulation and an infiltrate of inflammatory cells, usually eosinophils. While this appearance would suggest an allergic pathology there is little conclusive evidence to support this in most patients. There is, however, some preliminary evidence to suggest that a local allergic process could be the cause. While allergic fungal sinusitis is a well defined clinical entity with recognized diagnostic criteria the ubiquitous nature of fungal spores makes the role of fungal infection in patients with nasal polyps difficult to determine and currently this remains unclear. Surgical treatment of nasal polyps has declined in recent years as the benefits of medical treatment have become increasingly recognized. There is good evidence to support the use of corticosteroids both as a primary and post-operative treatment in the majority of patients. Other medical treatments require further evaluation before they could be considered a viable alternative to steroids. Assessment of the literature regarding surgical intervention is difficult and there is little evidence on which to base a surgical treatment philosophy. The authors believe that an endoscopic approach using a microdebrider facilitates accurate removal of polyps with preservation of normal anatomy.