Absorption and pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine after bilateral topical administration in tonsillar fossae for posttonsillectomy pain relief.

No previous studies have investigated the systemic absorption of bupivacaine when used topically for posttonsillectomy pain. The present study was undertaken to investigate the pharmacokinetics of bupivacaine after administration by a swab in the tonsillar fossae over 4 min after tonsillectomy. Eleven adult patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy were recruited. After removal of both tonsils, each of the two tonsillar fossae was covered with a swab moistened with 2 mL of bupivacaine 5 mg/mL, that is, a total of 20 mg bupivacaine. Blood samples were drawn after 0, 5, 10, 20, 30, 45, and 60 min. Bupivacaine was analyzed with an ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method. The highest single measured bupivacaine serum concentration was 23.2 ng/mL and took place 10 min after drug administration. Mean (±SD) Cmax was 11.4 ± 6.0 ng/mL and mean tmax was 11.3 ± 4.7 min. Mean t1/2 was 31.6 ± 9.3 min. As the toxic concentration threshold has been reported to be in the interval 1500-4500 ng/mL, the concentrations measured were well below 2% of the lowest cited toxic threshold. In conclusion, this study shows that applying 4 mL of bupivacaine 5 mg/mL by a swab in the tonsillar fossae posttonsillectomy yields very low plasma concentrations, suggesting its safe application without any risk of systemic toxic effects.

Risk of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage among COVID-19 positive pediatric patients.

OBJECTIVE: COVID-19 infection has been demonstrated to increase risk for post-operative bleeding. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 infection on post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in pediatric patients, a potentially devastating complication. STUDY DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study. METHODS: The TriNetX database was queried for pediatric patients who underwent tonsillectomy and evaluated for outcomes of primary and secondary post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. RESULTS: Among subjects 18 years and younger, 1226 were COVID-19 positive and 38,241 were COVID-19 negative in the perioperative period. There was statistically significant increased risk of bleeding with perioperative COVID-19 infection at postoperative days 1, 5, and 10. Additionally, when assessing the role of COVID-19 infection before or after surgery, the risk of bleeding remained statistically significant at all three time points, however these results did not suggest that infection before surgery confers more/less risk compared to infection after. CONCLUSION: The results of this investigation suggest that the presence of COVID-19 in the perioperative period may pose an increased risk for acute or delayed post tonsillectomy hemorrhage. This study employed a large, diverse population and is the first to address this clinical question.

Pain management after tonsil surgery in children and adults-A national survey related to pain outcome measures from the Swedish Quality Register for tonsil surgery.

OBJECTIVE: The primary aim of this study was to describe the current practice regarding pain management in relation to tonsil surgery among Ear Nose and Throat (ENT) clinics in Sweden. The secondary aim was to determine the impact of the provider's regime of rescue analgesics on the pain related Patient Reported Outcome Measures (pain-PROMs) from the Swedish Quality Register for Tonsil Surgery (SQTS). MATERIALS & METHODS: A descriptive cross-sectional study originating from a validated web-based questionnaire. The survey enrolled one respondent from each ENT clinic (47/48 participated) nationally. Pain-PROMs from the SQTS, recorded from October 2019 to October 2022, were included (8163 tonsil surgeries). RESULTS: Paracetamol was used by all enrolled ENT clinics as preemptive analgesia. The addition of COX inhibitors was used in 40% of the clinics. Betamethasone was usually administered, to prevent pain and nausea (92%). All clinics gave postdischarge instructions on multimodal analgesia with COX inhibitors and paracetamol. Rescue analgesics were prescribed after tonsillectomy for 77% of adults, 62% of older children, 43% of young children and less often after tonsillotomy. The most frequently prescribed rescue analgesic was clonidine in children (55%) and oxycodone in adults (72%). A high proportion of patients reported contact with health care services due to postoperative pain (pain-PROMs/ SQTS). Tonsillectomy procedures were associated with the highest rates of contacts (children/adolescents 13-15%; adults 26%), while tonsillotomy were associated with lower rates, (5-7% of children/adolescents). There was no significant difference in the frequency of health care contacts due to pain regarding whether clinics routinely prescribed rescue analgesics or not after tonsillectomy. CONCLUSION: The Swedish analgesic regimen after tonsil surgery is good overall. Nevertheless, there is a need for increased awareness and knowledge to achieve optimal patient recovery. Pain-PROM data demonstrate the call for improvement in pain management after tonsil surgery.

The relationship between posttonsillectomy bleeding to hemogram and coagulation parameters.

PURPOSE: Tonsillectomy is a common surgery performed for indications such as chronic tonsilitis, tonsil hypertrophy and obsructive sleep apnea. Although posttonsillectomy bleeding (PTB) is rare and can be controlled with simple interventions in many patients, it is one of the most feared complications of tonsillectomy surgery. In our study, we investigated the effects of changes in hemogram and coagulation values and seasonal effects on PTB. METHODS: Pediatric and adult patients who underwent tonsillectomy with cold knife method between August 2020 and August 2023 in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic data, hemogram and coagulation values of the patients in the control and study groups were recorded and the differences between the two groups in terms of these parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: Our study included 991 patients aged 1-51 years. The rate of PTB was calculated as 2.82%. No patient with primary PTB was found. The duration of bleeding development was 7.03 days. Age, WBC and neutrophil values were statistically significantly higher in the study group. There were no significant differences between two groups in terms of gender, season and other hemogram and coagulation parameters. CONCLUSIONS: Age, high WBC and neutrophil levels were determined as possible risk factors for PTB. Seasonal and gender distribution, aPTT and INR values were similar in the two groups. In order to prevent and predict bleeding, detailed infection investigation should be performed and the risk of bleeding should be considered to increase with increasing age.

Absceso periamigdalino bilateral. Reporte de un caso y revisión de las controversias en el diagnóstico y tratamiento / Bilateral peritonsillar abscess. A case report and review of controversies surrounding diagnosis and management

La presentación bilateral del absceso periamigdalino es poco frecuente. Su abordaje es controversial y se discute si realizar amigdalectomía en caliente versus diferida. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 14 años, con odinofagia, trismo y fiebre. Presentaba hipertrofia amigdalina bilateral, pilares abombados y edema de paladar blando. Tomografía computada: hipertrofia amigdalina bilateral, con realce poscontraste, ambas con colección, edema con moderada estenosis faríngea. Se decidió internación para tratamiento endovenoso y amigdalectomía con drenaje bilateral. Resolución completa del cuadro con alta a las 48 horas. Ante la presencia de un absceso periamigdalino, debe considerarse la posibilidad de un absceso contralateral oculto. Debe ser diagnosticado y tratado adecuadamente para prevenir complicaciones. La amigdalectomía en caliente podría ser un tratamiento seguro y debería ser considerado en pacientes que serán sometidos a anestesia para drenaje. La decisión final debe ser determinada para cada caso en particular.

The bilateral presentation of peritonsillar abscess is uncommon. Its management is controversial and it has been argued whether a quinsy tonsillectomy or an interval tonsillectomy should be performed. Here we describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with sore throat, trismus, and fever. He had bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy, convex arches, and soft palate edema. Computed tomography: bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy, with post-contrast enhancement, both with collection, edema with moderate pharyngeal stenosis. The patient was hospitalized for intravenous therapy and tonsillectomy with bilateral drainage resulting in a complete resolution of his condition and discharge at 48 hours. In the presence of a peritonsillar abscess, an unsuspected contralateral abscess should be considered. It should be diagnosed and managed adequately to prevent complications. Quinsy tonsillectomy could be safe and should be considered in patients who will undergo anesthesia for abscess drainage. The final decision should be made for each patient on an individual basis.

Supplemental oxygen requirement after tonsillectomy in children >3 years of age.

INTRODUCTION: The indications for postoperative admission after tonsillectomy in children >3 years of age are less well defined than for children <3 years old, and typically include severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), obesity, comorbidities, or behavioral factors. Inpatient care after tonsillectomy typically consists of respiratory monitoring and support, as respiratory compromise is the most common complication after pediatric tonsillectomy. We aim to evaluate risk factors associated with postoperative oxygen supplementation and to identify high risk populations within the admitted population who use additional resources or require additional interventions. METHODS: Retrospective chart review of patients between the ages of 3 and 18 years old who underwent tonsillectomy by four surgeons at a tertiary care children's hospital was performed. Data including demographics, comorbidities, surgical intervention, pre- and postoperative AHI, admission, postoperative oxygen requirement, and postoperative complications was collected and analyzed. RESULTS: There were 401 patients included in the analysis. Of the patients in this study, 65.59% were male, 43.39% were Latino, and 53.87% were ages 3 to 7. Of the 397 patients with a record for supplemental oxygen, 36 (9.07%) received supplemental oxygen. The LASSO regression odds ratios (OR) found to be important for modeling supplemental oxygen use (in decreasing order of magnitude) are BMI ≥35 (OR = 2.30), pre-op AHI >30 (OR = 2.28), gastrointestinal comorbidities (OR = 2.20), musculoskeletal comorbidities (OR = 1.91), cardiac comorbidities (OR = 1.20), pulmonary comorbidities (OR = 1.14), and BMI 30 to <35 (OR = 1.07). Female gender was found to be negatively associated with risk of supplemental oxygen use (OR = 0.84). Age, race, AHI ≥15-30, neurologic comorbidities, syndromic patients, admission reason, and undergoing other procedures concomitantly were not found to be associated with increased postoperative oxygen requirement. CONCLUSION: BMI ≥30, pre-op AHI >30, male gender, and gastrointestinal, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and pulmonary comorbidities are all associated with postoperative supplemental oxygen use. Age, race, AHI ≥15-30, neurologic comorbidities, syndromic patients, admission reason, and undergoing other procedures concomitantly were not found to be associated with increased postoperative oxygen requirement.

Incidence and predictors of readmission following tonsillectomy in pediatric population.

BACKGROUND: Tonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in the pediatric population. This study aims to estimate the incidence rate of readmission post tonsillectomy in pediatrics and identify the causes and predictors contributing to the readmission post-surgery. METHODS: A retrospective cohort study included 1280 pediatric patients (18 years or younger) who underwent tonsillectomy at a tertiary hospital in 2019 and 2020. The study sample was divided into two groups based on readmission and were compared using the appropriate statistical tests. Significant variables (p-value≤0.05) were included in the logistic regression model to determine the predictors of readmission following tonsillectomy in these patients. RESULTS: The readmission rate following tonsillectomy was 6.3 % (95 % confidence interval 5.1-7.9). The causes of readmission included poor oral intake followed by bleeding and vomiting, 55.6 %,49.4 %, and 13.6 %, respectively. In the multivariable logistic regression model, the only significant predictor of post-tonsillectomy readmission was the use of a single postoperative analgesia (OR: 57.27, P = 0.000). CONCLUSION: The readmission rate following tonsillectomy in this study was relatively high. The most common causes contributing to readmission post tonsillectomy were poor oral intake and hemorrhage. The study also revealed a significant association between the utilization of single postoperative analgesia and an increased likelihood of readmission.

A comparative study of BiZact™ tonsillectomy versus cold steel dissection technique in adults: Analysis of operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative bleeding rate and pain.

OBJECTIVES: To analyse operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative bleeding rate and pain when using the relatively new BiZact™ tonsillectomy device compared to the commonly used cold steel dissection technique with bipolar cautery in adults. DESIGN: Retrospective case control study. Parameters analysed for significant association with technique were operating time, intraoperative blood loss, wound pain on postoperative days 1-4 and rate of post-tonsillectomy bleeding (PTB). SETTING: Monocentric study at a department of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery at a tertiary centre in Germany. PARTICIPANTS: A total of 183 patients who underwent a bilateral tonsillectomy with either the BiZact™ tonsillectomy device or the cold dissection technique with bipolar cautery for haemostasis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain on the first to fourth postoperative day (numeric rating scale: 0-10) (PTB, primary bleeding ≤24 h, secondary bleeding >24 h postoperative; Stammberger scale). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The BiZact™ tonsillectomy device leads to a significant shorter operating time with less intraoperative blood loss compared to cold steel dissection with bipolar haemostasis. No benefits with regards to PTB or postoperative pain could be observed. The use of the BiZact™ device provides major benefits in clinical routine and stands up to conventional tonsillectomy techniques.

Effect of monopolar diathermy power settings on postoperative pain, wound healing, and tissue damage after tonsillectomy: a randomized clinical trial.

This study aimed to assess the impact of varying monopolar diathermy power settings on postoperative pain, hemorrhage, and wound healing following tonsillectomy. A single-center, prospective, randomized, double-blinded, controlled clinical study was conducted. During bilateral tonsillectomy procedures, one tonsil received low-power settings (15 W, cutting/blend) while the other tonsil received high-power settings (35 W, cutting/blend). Postoperative pain scores (0-10) and wound healing scores (0-3) were evaluated immediately after surgery and at 1, 2, and 4 weeks postoperatively using the visual analog scale. Additionally, histological analysis was performed on electrically resected tonsil tissues to assess tissue damage in the tonsil bed. The allocation of high and low power settings to each side was randomized. Results showed that 1 week after the surgery, the high-power group experienced significantly higher pain scores (mean ± standard deviation: 4.84 ± 2.21) compared to the low-power group (3.56 ± 2.24, p = 0.049). Moreover, the high-power side exhibited slower wound healing during the initial 1-2 weeks postoperatively, as indicated by lower wound scores at 2 weeks (high-power: 1.96 ± 0.64; low-power: 2.43 ± 0.59, p = 0.008). Furthermore, histological analysis revealed significantly deeper tissue degradation on the high-power side compared to the low-power side (p < 0.001), with mean depths of 565.2 ± 291.0 µm and 156.0 ± 36.8 µm, respectively. In conclusion, these findings suggest that when employing monopolar diathermy in tonsillectomy, lower power settings can lead to improved outcomes in terms of postoperative pain, wound healing, and tissue damage.Trial registration: CRIS identifier: KCT0005670 (cris.nih.go.kr, registration date: 11/12/2020).

An update on diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnoea in the first 2†years of life.

The aim of this review is to summarise evidence that became available after publication of the 2017 European Respiratory Society statement on the diagnosis and management of obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) in 1- to 23-month-old children. The definition of OSAS in the first 2 years of life should probably differ from that applied in children older than 2 years. An obstructive apnoea-hypopnoea index >5 events·h-1 may be normal in neonates, as obstructive and central sleep apnoeas decline in frequency during infancy in otherwise healthy children and those with symptoms of upper airway obstruction. A combination of dynamic and fixed upper airway obstruction is commonly observed in this age group, and drug-induced sleep endoscopy may be useful in selecting the most appropriate surgical intervention. Adenotonsillectomy can improve nocturnal breathing in infants and young toddlers with OSAS, and isolated adenoidectomy can be efficacious particularly in children under 12 months of age. Laryngomalacia is a common cause of OSAS in young children and supraglottoplasty can provide improvement in children with moderate-to-severe upper airway obstruction. Children who are not candidates for surgery or have persistent OSAS post-operatively can be treated with positive airway pressure (PAP). High-flow nasal cannula may be offered to young children with persistent OSAS following surgery, as a bridge until definitive therapy or if they are PAP intolerant. In conclusion, management of OSAS in the first 2 years of life is unique and requires consideration of comorbidities and clinical presentation along with PSG results for treatment decisions, and a multidisciplinary approach to treatment with medical and otolaryngology teams.

Bilateral peritonsillar abscess. A case report and review of controversies surrounding diagnosis and management. / Absceso periamigdalino bilateral. Reporte de un caso y revisión de las controversias en el diagnóstico y tratamiento.

The bilateral presentation of peritonsillar abscess is uncommon. Its management is controversial and it has been argued whether a quinsy tonsillectomy or an interval tonsillectomy should be performed. Here we describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with sore throat, trismus, and fever. He had bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy, convex arches, and soft palate edema. Computed tomography: bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy, with post-contrast enhancement, both with collection, edema with moderate pharyngeal stenosis. The patient was hospitalized for intravenous therapy and tonsillectomy with bilateral drainage resulting in a complete resolution of his condition and discharge at 48 hours. In the presence of a peritonsillar abscess, an unsuspected contralateral abscess should be considered. It should be diagnosed and managed adequately to prevent complications. Quinsy tonsillectomy could be safe and should be considered in patients who will undergo anesthesia for abscess drainage. The final decision should be made for each patient on an individual basis.

La presentación bilateral del absceso periamigdalino es poco frecuente. Su abordaje es controversial y se discute si realizar amigdalectomía en caliente versus diferida. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 14 años, con odinofagia, trismo y fiebre. Presentaba hipertrofia amigdalina bilateral, pilares abombados y edema de paladar blando. Tomografía computada: hipertrofia amigdalina bilateral, con realce poscontraste, ambas con colección, edema con moderada estenosis faríngea. Se decidió internación para tratamiento endovenoso y amigdalectomía con drenaje bilateral. Resolución completa del cuadro con alta a las 48 horas. Ante la presencia de un absceso periamigdalino, debe considerarse la posibilidad de un absceso contralateral oculto. Debe ser diagnosticado y tratado adecuadamente para prevenir complicaciones. La amigdalectomía en caliente podría ser un tratamiento seguro y debería ser considerado en pacientes que serán sometidos a anestesia para drenaje. La decisión final debe ser determinada para cada caso en particular.

Accuracy of parental perception of nighttime breathing in children with Down syndrome after adenotonsillectomy.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Clinical practice guidelines recommend screening all children with Down syndrome for obstructive sleep apnea with polysomnography by age 4 years. Because persistent obstructive sleep apnea (obstructive apnea-hypopnea index > 1 event/h) following adenotonsillectomy (T&A) is common in children with Down syndrome, it is important to know whether clinicians can rely on parental assessment postoperatively. The primary objective is to identify accuracy of parental perception of nighttime breathing following T&A compared with preoperative assessment. METHODS: Patients with Down syndrome who underwent T&A along with polysomnography prior to and after the surgical procedure were included. Parents completed a 3-question pre- and postsurgery survey regarding nighttime symptoms. The responses were categorized into 3 groups: infrequent (< 3 nights/wk), sometimes (> 3 nights/wk but < 6 nights/wk), or frequent (≥ 6 nights/wk) on at least 1 question. The primary end point was identifying the accuracy of parental perception of nighttime breathing in children with Down syndrome following T&A. RESULTS: A total of 256 children met inclusion criteria, of which 117 (46%) were included. A total of 71 (68%) children had an obstructive apnea-hypopnea index > 5 events/h preoperatively compared with 55 (47%) postoperatively. There was no association between parents' perception of symptoms and obstructive sleep apnea categorization postoperatively (P > .05) or of parents' perception of symptoms improving and obstructive sleep apnea categorization improving postoperatively (P > .05). CONCLUSIONS: Despite previous experience, parents are unable to predict nighttime breathing patterns following a T&A. We recommend obtaining a polysomnogram rather than relying on parental assessment to determine whether a T&A has been successful. CITATION: Chabuz CA, Lackey TG, Pickett KL, Friedman NR. Accuracy of parental perception of nighttime breathing in children with Down syndrome after adenotonsillectomy. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(2):237-243.

A validation study of the 30-day questionnaire in the national Norwegian Tonsil Surgery Register: can we trust the data reported by the patients?

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to validate the Patient Reported Outcome Measure (PROM) in the Norwegian Tonsil Surgery Register (NTSR) and to examine whether any improvements to the questionnaire could be useful. METHODS: This is a prospective, descriptive study. NTSR collects data from patients who undergo tonsil surgery and the intention of the register is to improve the quality of treatment and to contribute to research. The patients answers questions about admission due to postoperative haemorrhage, infection and pain 30 days after surgery. 305 patients were contacted on phone 1-2 weeks after answering the questionnaires electronically (ePROM) and asked the same questions. 180 of 305 patients we contacted had some kind of complications after surgery. They were asked additional questions to search for possible points for improvement of the questionnaire. RESULTS: When comparing the results on the ePROM with the answers on phone, we found that 12 out of 14 variables achieve almost perfect agreement (AC1 ≥ 0.81). Two variables are categorized to be substantial agreement (AC1 = 0.61-0.80). The additional questions showed us that the questionnaire can be improved with more detailed information regarding the severity of the postoperative haemorrhage and the need of better treatment against postoperative pain. CONCLUSION: This study shows that the information from the 30-day ePROM has high reliability. The questions were understood as they were intended, and the answers reflect what the patients had of complications. Some changes can be done to improve the questionnaire and to open up for more research around the tonsillectomy procedure.

The post-operative tonsillectomy (POPT) study: A multi-centre prospective paediatric cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: Tonsillectomy is the most common operation performed by otolaryngologists in the UK, despite this we have a poor understanding of the post-operative recovery. We aimed to investigate post-operative bleeding and pain following paediatric tonsillectomy using a patient diary. DESIGN: Prospective observational cohort study. SETTING: Multi-centre study involving 12 secondary and tertiary otolaryngology units across the North of England. Patients were recruited from 1st March 2020 to 30th June 2022. Multilevel ordered logistic regression model statistics were performed. PARTICIPANTS: Children (≥4 years, ≤16 years) undergoing tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) for benign pathology. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frequency and severity of post-operative bleeding. Intensity and pattern of post-operative pain. RESULTS: In total 297 children were recruited, with 91 (30.6%) diaries eligible for analysis. Post-operative bleeding occurred in 44% of children. Most frequently blood in the saliva was reported (82.9%). Increasing age significantly increased bleeding odds by 17% per year (p = .001). Bleeding frequency decreased with higher surgeon grade (p = .003) and when performing intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy (p = .02) compared with other techniques. Lower age and intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy, against other techniques, significantly reduced rates of pain post-operatively (p < .0001 and p = .0008). CONCLUSION: A high level of low-level post-operative bleeding was observed. Pain scores remained high for 5 days post-operatively then gradually reduce to normal by day 13. Intracapsular coblation tonsillectomy appears to be superior to all other techniques in terms of reducing post-operative bleeding and pain. These findings should be used to guide patients in the consent process to inform them of the expected nature of post-surgical recovery.

Postoperative Outcomes of Intracapsular Tonsillectomy With Coblation: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Following tonsillectomy, postoperative pain and hemorrhage from the tonsillar bed are causes of significant morbidity. Intracapsular tonsillectomy with Coblation is suggested to minimize such morbidity while remaining efficacious in long-term outcomes. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed short-term morbidity and long-term outcomes from intracapsular tonsillectomy with Coblation, focusing primarily on posttonsillectomy hemorrhage. DATA SOURCES: Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Library. REVIEW METHODS: Guided by PRISMA guidelines, studies on intracapsular tonsillectomy with Coblation published between December 2002 and July 2022 evaluating frequency of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage were screened. Studies without primary data were excluded. Meta-analysis was conducted using the random-effect model. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients who experienced posttonsillectomy hemorrhage. The secondary outcomes were posttonsillectomy pain, the proportion requiring revision tonsillectomy, and severity of sleep-disordered breathing measured by polysomnography outcomes. RESULTS: From 14 studies there were 9821 patients. The proportion of total posttonsillectomy hemorrhage was 1.0% (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.5%-1.6%, n = 9821). The proportion experiencing primary hemorrhage, secondary hemorrhage, and those requiring further tonsil surgery were 0.1% (95% CI 0.0%-0.1%; study n = 7), 0.8% (95% CI 0.2%-1.4%; study n = 7), and 1.4% (95% CI 0.6%-2.2%; study n = 6), respectively. Mean reduction in apnea-hypopnea index was -16.0 events per hour (95% CI -8.8 to -23.3, study n = 3) and mean increase in oxygen nadir was 5.9% (95% CI 2.6%-9.1%, study n = 3). CONCLUSION: Intracapsular tonsillectomy with Coblation has been demonstrated to have a low rate of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage. Data regarding long-term tonsil regrowth and need for reoperation were encouraging of the efficacy of this technique.

Environmental Impact of Adult Tonsillectomy: Life Cycle Assessment and Cost Comparison of Techniques.

OBJECTIVES: To quantify and compare the cost and environmental impact of different techniques for adult tonsillectomy surgery, and to identify target areas for impact reduction. METHODS: Fifteen consecutive adult tonsillectomy surgeries were prospectively randomized to one of three tonsillectomy techniques: cold, monopolar electrocautery, or low-temperature radiofrequency ablation (Coblation). Life cycle assessment was used to comprehensively evaluate the environmental impact of study surgeries. Outcomes assessed included multiple measures of environmental impact, including greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and cost. Environmental impact measures were analyzed to identify highest-yield areas for improvement, and outcomes were compared between surgical techniques using statistical analysis. RESULTS: GHG emissions for cold, monopolar electrocautery, and Coblation techniques were 157.6, 184.5, and 204.7 kilograms of carbon dioxide equivalents (kgCO2 -eq) per surgery, respectively, with costs totaling $472.51, $619.10, and $715.53 per surgery, respectively. Regardless of surgery technique, anesthesia medications and disposable equipment contributed most to environmental harm. Cold technique demonstrated reduced environmental impact related to disposable surgical equipment in the categories of greenhouse gas emissions, acidification of soil and water, eutrophication of air, ozone depletion, release of carcinogenic, and non-carcinogenic toxic substances, and respiratory pollutant production (p < 0.05 for all comparisons with other techniques). CONCLUSION: Within the boundaries of operating room processes, cold technique minimizes cost and environmental impact of adult tonsillectomy surgery, with statistical significance noted in the impact of disposable surgical equipment. Areas of highest potential for improvement identified include reducing use of disposable equipment and collaboration with the Anesthesiology care team to streamline medication use. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 2, randomized trial Laryngoscope, 134:622-628, 2024.

Safety and efficacy of lingual tonsillectomy in multilevel airway surgery for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea.

STUDY OBJECTIVES: Prior studies have demonstrated the efficacy of lingual tonsillectomy in treating pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. The goal of this study is to describe the postoperative outcomes following lingual tonsillectomy as a part of drug-induced sleep endoscopy-directed multilevel sleep surgery. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed for pediatric patients with obstructive sleep apnea who underwent lingual tonsillectomy as a part of drug-induced sleep endoscopy-directed sleep surgery. Data collected included age, sex assigned at birth, body mass index z-score, polysomnography results, past medical and surgical history, and postoperative outcomes. RESULTS: A total of 174 patients were included in the study with a mean age of 8.29 ± 3.49 years (range 1.89-15.62) and mean preoperative apnea-hypopnea index of 7.88 ± 13.42 (range 1.10-123.40). Complications occurred in 26 patients (14.9%) including 14 patients (8.0%) requiring emergency department visit or readmission and 12 patients (6.9%) experiencing postoperative bleeding. Asthma (P = .033) and developmental delay (P = .016) correlated with postoperative complications. For patients with preoperative and postoperative polysomnography data (n = 145; 83.3%), there was significant improvement (P < .001) in apnea-hypopnea index with a mean postoperative apnea-hypopnea index of 4.02 ± 7.81 (range 0.00-54.46). Surgical failure, defined as postoperative apnea-hypopnea index ≥ 5, was identified in 25 patients (17.2%). Surgical failure was associated with body mass index z-score > 2 (P = .025) and Trisomy 21 (P = .005). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the promising surgical success rate of drug-induced sleep endoscopy-directed lingual tonsillectomy in multilevel sleep surgery (82.8%) and infrequent complications including postoperative bleeding (6.9%) and readmission (2.3%). CITATION: Williamson A, Morrow VR, Carr MM, Coutras SW. Safety and efficacy of lingual tonsillectomy in multilevel airway surgery for pediatric obstructive sleep apnea. J Clin Sleep Med. 2024;20(2):189-199.

Surgeon Information-Sharing, Parent Verbal Engagement, and Parent Knowledge of Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE: We characterize clinician information-sharing and parent verbal engagement during pediatric adenotonsillectomy consultations and evaluate whether these behaviors relate to disease-specific knowledge for parents of children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing (OSDB). STUDY DESIGN: Mixed-methods sequential explanatory analysis. SETTING: Outpatient otolaryngology clinics. METHODS: We analyzed audio-recorded communication during outpatient encounters for children undergoing initial evaluation for adenotonsillectomy. We identified discrete triadic instances of clinician discussion of individual risks and benefits, parent verbal responses coded as passive ("Right") or active ("Would that repeat the recovery time?"), and corresponding parent answer (correct or incorrect) on a postconsult knowledge questionnaire. Primary outcomes included parent knowledge and decisional conflict. We qualitatively analyzed substantive questions asked by parents during the encounter. RESULTS: In 30 consults, clinicians (n = 8) provided 156 instances of discussion (101 risk, 55 benefit), to which parents provided 34% active responses. Clinician discussion of risks and benefits was associated with greater parent knowledge (odds ratio [OR] = 3.70, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.25-6.09; P < .001), however parent active engagement was not associated with greater parent knowledge (OR = 1.04, 95% CI: 0.42-2.58, P = .93). Parents demonstrated greater knowledge of benefits than risks (χ2 = 23.16, V = 1.13; P < .001). Parents who responded actively (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.09-0.72; P = .010) or had greater knowledge (OR = 0.41, 95% CI: 0.21-0.81; P = .010) had less decisional conflict. CONCLUSION: Clinician information-sharing was associated with greater parent knowledge about OSDB treatment. Greater parent engagement and knowledge were independently associated with less decisional conflict. These findings may inform clinicians' approaches to counseling and engaging parents in decisions for surgery.

Post-tonsillectomy bleeding rate decreases with limitation in maximum post-operative ibuprofen dosage: A quality improvement study.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to investigate the effect of a reduction in the prescribed post-operative ibuprofen dosage on frequency of post-tonsillectomy bleeding. METHODS: A quality improvement study was conducted at a single tertiary care pediatric hospital with patients weighing >40 kg undergoing tonsillectomy. The intervention was limiting the post-operative ibuprofen dosage to a maximum of 400 mg per dose. Data was collected on all patients returning to the hospital with bleeding after tonsillectomy. The primary outcome was the rate of post-tonsillectomy bleeding. Statistical analysis was conducted using nonparametric comparisons and a run chart. RESULTS: A total of 199 tonsillectomy patients >40 kg were included in the study. There were 119 (59.8 %) females and 80 (40.2 %) males total. The pre-intervention group had a total of 56 patients while the post-intervention group had a total of 143 patients. There was no statistical difference in age, weight, or sex between the pre- and post-intervention groups (p > .05). The post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage rate was 11/56 (19.6 %) before the intervention, and 11/143 (7.7 %) after the intervention (p = .016). Children who experienced a bleeding event were significantly older (mean 15.9 years, 95 % CI 14.5-17.3) than those who did not (13.5 years, 95 % CI 12.9-14.1; p = .011). The run chart revealed that the intervention resulted in a nonrandom decrease in rate of post-tonsillectomy bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Post-tonsillectomy bleeding rate decreased with a ceiling post-operative ibuprofen dose of 400 mg/dose in this quality improvement study. Further research is warranted.

Effectiveness of bismuth subgallate for preventing bleeding following adenotonsillectomy: A multicentre study.

BACKGROUND: Tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy are surgical procedures routinely performed worldwide, with various complications, including postoperative bleeding (PTH). Among haemostatic agents, bismuth subgallate (BS) has been employed in the past decades, but its use is controversial in children. OBJECTIVE: This retrospective, multicentre study aims to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of BS in preventing PTH following tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Two cohorts of children between 0 and 18 years of age were compared in two different hospitals. The first (active) group of patients included children who underwent tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy performed using BS added to gauze swabs, whereas this agent was not administered to the second (control) group. The following variables were analysed: age, gender, degree of tonsillar hyperplasia, length of hospital stay, acute complications (including bleeding and infection), further admissions to the Paediatric Emergency Department (PED), and further hospital admissions in the 30 days postoperatively. RESULTS: Four-thousand- seven hundred forty-four children were included in the study, 2598 in the active group and 2146 in the control group. The cases included in the active treatment group displayed a significantly reduced PTH prevalence, 1.4 versus 2.6 % (p < 0.05). No cases of neurological complications or aspiration pneumonia were detected. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports BS as a safe and reliable option for preventing severe PTH following tonsillectomy/adenotonsillectomy.