Our Summary

This research paper examines the use of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) instead of the traditional endotracheal intubation (ETT) for patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgeries. The study analyzed patients who used the LMA between 2017 and 2020. The researchers found that issues like needing to switch to ETT during surgery and laryngospasm (a spasm of the vocal cords that makes it hard to breathe) were less common than past studies had suggested. Additionally, surgeries using the LMA were typically finished faster than those using ETT. The study concludes that the LMA could be a safe and effective alternative to ETT for these surgeries, with the added benefit of potentially reducing operating room time.

FAQs

  1. What is the main difference between using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and endotracheal intubation (ETT) for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgeries?
  2. What were the main findings of the study analyzing the use of LMA between 2017 and 2020?
  3. Can using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) instead of endotracheal intubation (ETT) reduce operating room time for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy surgeries?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to ensure they follow all post-operative care instructions provided, including getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activities. It is also important to attend follow-up appointments with their doctor to monitor the healing process and address any concerns. Additionally, patients should be aware of potential complications such as bleeding, infection, or difficulty breathing, and should contact their doctor immediately if they experience any unusual symptoms.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for adenoidectomy are those who suffer from chronic or recurrent infections of the adenoids, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic nasal congestion or sinusitis, and difficulties breathing or swallowing due to enlarged adenoids. Additionally, patients with severe symptoms such as persistent otitis media (ear infections) or chronic middle ear effusion (fluid in the middle ear) may also be candidates for adenoidectomy. It is important for patients to undergo a thorough evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist to determine if adenoidectomy is the most appropriate treatment option for their specific condition.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, sleep apnea, frequent sinus infections, and ear infections.
  2. Patient consults with an otolaryngologist (ENT) who recommends adenoidectomy as a treatment option.
  3. Pre-operative testing may be conducted to assess the patient’s overall health and suitability for surgery.
  4. Patient and their family receive pre-operative instructions from the medical team, including fasting guidelines and information about anesthesia.

After adenoidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes adenoidectomy surgery, which typically lasts about 30-45 minutes.
  2. Patient is closely monitored in the recovery room for any immediate post-operative complications.
  3. Patient may experience sore throat, mild ear pain, and nasal congestion in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient is advised to rest and avoid strenuous activities for a period of time to allow for proper healing.
  5. Follow-up appointments with the otolaryngologist are scheduled to monitor the patient’s recovery and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with adenoidectomy surgery?

  2. How will the adenoidectomy surgery be performed and what is the expected recovery time?

  3. Are there any alternative treatment options to adenoidectomy that I should consider?

  4. How experienced are you in performing adenoidectomy surgeries and what is your success rate?

  5. What post-operative care instructions should I follow to ensure a smooth recovery?

  6. Are there any specific dietary or activity restrictions I should be aware of after the surgery?

  7. What symptoms should I watch for after the surgery that may indicate a complication?

  8. How long will it take for me to see improvements in my symptoms after the adenoidectomy?

  9. Are there any long-term effects or potential complications I should be aware of after the surgery?

  10. Will I need a follow-up appointment after the surgery and what will be discussed during that appointment?

Reference

Authors: Webb N, Kars MS, Butler AL, Malesinska M, Smith LP. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2021 May;144:110691. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2021.110691. Epub 2021 Mar 20. PMID: 33773427