Laryngoscope Force During Suspension for Adenotonsillectomy

Overview

Suspension laryngoscopy is a common procedure during adenoteonsillectomy (removal of adenoids and tonsils), that consists of extending the patient's neck to allow better visualization of the tonsils. Previous studies on suspension larygnoscopy have shown that the time to maximum force during this procedure predicts complications such as pain, tounge swelling and opioid requirements. Moreover, monitoring these force during laparoscopy can reduce postoperative complications. However, no study to date has investigated the force metrics during suspension laryngoscopy in the pediatric population. Therefore, in this study, the investigators aim to evaluate the relationship of force metrics during adenotonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy and postoperative pain.

Adenotonsillectomy is the most common surgery performed in North America (annual caseload in the United States 500,000). This procedure is performed with suspension laryngoscopy (SL), which consists in the extension of the patient's neck and concomitant lifting of the anterior oropharynx structures to allow direct visualization of the tonsils. In adults undergoing microlaryngoscopy, the time maximum force recorded during suspension was a significant predictive variable for the development of postoperative complications such as tongue edema, pain and narcotic requirements. Force metrics during laryngoscopy vary significantly among different surgical procedures. Active intraoperative monitoring of force metrics has been shown to reduce postoperative complications in adults. Moreover, in adult cadaveric models, spinal cord compression associated with cord injury may be directly correlated with the force applied during laryngoscopy5,6. In patients with cervical instability, such as patients with Trisomy, adenotonsillectomy carries a significant risk of spinal injury, as laryngoscopy may result in C1-C2 subluxation. To date, no data exist on force metric during suspension laryngoscopy children. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of force metrics during adenotonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy and postoperative pain. The secondary aim is to describe the force metrics in the pediatric population.

Conditions