Our Summary

This study looked at whether having parents present when anesthesia is given helps reduce anxiety in children having their tonsils and adenoids removed. 160 children were split into two groups, with one group having their parents present during anesthesia and the other group following the usual procedure without parents present. The researchers looked at heart rate and blood pressure, as well as measured anxiety levels of the children and their families. They also considered the stress levels of the anesthesiologists and compared the time and cost of the operations.

The results showed that the children who had their parents present during anesthesia had lower heart rates, blood pressure, and anxiety levels than those who didn’t. The families of these children also reported being more satisfied with the care. However, the anesthesiologists in the group with parents present reported higher stress levels. The operations where parents were present also took longer and cost more.

The study concluded that having parents present during the administration of anesthesia can significantly reduce anxiety and stress response in children having their tonsils and adenoids removed, and suggested that this practice should be encouraged despite the increased time, cost, and stress on the anesthesiologists.

FAQs

  1. Does the presence of parents during anesthesia reduce anxiety in children undergoing adenoidectomy?
  2. How does the presence of parents during anesthesia affect the stress level of anesthesiologists?
  3. Does the presence of parents during the administration of anesthesia increase the time and cost of adenoidectomy operations?

Doctor’s Tip

It is important to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your doctor, such as fasting guidelines and medication restrictions. Make sure to discuss any concerns or questions you have with your healthcare provider before the procedure. After the surgery, be sure to follow post-operative care instructions carefully to ensure proper healing and recovery. If you experience any unusual symptoms or complications, contact your doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for adenoidectomy are those who have chronic or recurrent infections of the adenoids, difficulty breathing due to enlarged adenoids, chronic nasal congestion or sinus infections, or obstructive sleep apnea. In some cases, adenoidectomy may also be recommended for patients with chronic ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear.

Timeline

Before the adenoidectomy, the patient may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing, snoring, chronic nasal congestion, and frequent ear infections. They may undergo a consultation with an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine if adenoidectomy is necessary.

After the adenoidectomy, the patient may experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling in the throat. They may also have a sore throat, bad breath, and difficulty swallowing for a few days. It is important for the patient to follow post-operative care instructions, such as resting, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain foods that may irritate the throat. Over time, the patient should experience improved breathing, reduced snoring, and fewer ear infections due to the removal of the adenoids.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about adenoidectomy include:

  1. What are the potential benefits of having parents present during anesthesia for my child’s adenoidectomy?
  2. What are the potential risks or drawbacks of having parents present during anesthesia for my child’s adenoidectomy?
  3. How will having parents present during anesthesia affect the overall experience for my child during the procedure?
  4. How will having parents present during anesthesia impact the stress levels of the medical staff, including the anesthesiologists?
  5. Are there any alternative strategies or techniques that can help reduce anxiety in children undergoing adenoidectomy?
  6. How will having parents present during anesthesia affect the length of the procedure and the overall cost?
  7. Are there any specific guidelines or protocols in place at the facility where the adenoidectomy will be performed regarding parents being present during anesthesia?
  8. What steps can I take as a parent to help prepare my child for the adenoidectomy procedure, whether or not I will be present during anesthesia?
  9. Can you provide any additional information or resources for parents who are considering being present during their child’s adenoidectomy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Li X, Qiao XF, Ren PX, Wang GP, Bai YH. Journal: Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Dec;280(12):5475-5482. doi: 10.1007/s00405-023-08222-3. Epub 2023 Sep 14. PMID: 37707617