Our Summary

This research paper is about the use of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) instead of the traditional endotracheal intubation (ETT) for managing the airway during adenoidectomy surgeries in children. Adenoidectomy is the removal of the adenoids, a clump of tissue at the back of the nasal cavity. The study looked at 139 children who had this surgery between January 2016 to June 2017. Of these, 110 were managed with LMA and 27 with ETT. They found that only two patients (1.8%) had to be switched to ETT from LMA because of problems when using a mouth gag. They also found that surgeries with LMA took 20 minutes less on average, and there were no complications. The study suggests that the use of LMA may be a safe and effective alternative to ETT for adenoidectomy surgeries, but more research is needed to confirm this.

FAQs

  1. What is the main focus of the research paper on adenoidectomy surgeries in children?
  2. What were the results of the study comparing the use of a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) and endotracheal intubation (ETT) in adenoidectomy surgeries?
  3. Is the use of LMA a confirmed safe and effective alternative to ETT for adenoidectomy surgeries according to the study?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to discuss with your healthcare provider the option of using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) instead of traditional endotracheal intubation (ETT) during the surgery. This alternative method may result in a shorter surgery time and potentially fewer complications. It’s important to have a thorough discussion with your doctor about the best approach for your specific case.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended adenoidectomy are those who have:

  1. Recurrent or chronic sinusitis
  2. Chronic ear infections
  3. Sleep apnea or snoring
  4. Difficulty breathing through the nose
  5. Chronic nasal congestion
  6. Chronic sore throat or tonsillitis
  7. Swollen or infected adenoids

These symptoms may indicate that the adenoids are enlarged or infected, leading to problems with breathing, sleeping, and overall quality of life. Adenoidectomy may be recommended by a doctor if conservative treatments such as antibiotics and nasal steroid sprays have been ineffective in treating these symptoms.

Timeline

Before Adenoidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes consultation with an ENT specialist to determine the need for surgery
  • Pre-operative tests such as blood tests and imaging scans may be conducted
  • Patient may be instructed to stop taking certain medications or to fast before the surgery
  • Patient is given general anesthesia before the surgery begins

During Adenoidectomy:

  • Surgeon removes the adenoids using surgical instruments
  • Patient is monitored closely throughout the procedure for any complications
  • Surgical team ensures proper ventilation and oxygenation during the surgery

After Adenoidectomy:

  • Patient is taken to the recovery room where vital signs are monitored
  • Patient may experience mild pain or discomfort in the throat
  • Patient is discharged home the same day or after a short observation period
  • Post-operative care instructions are given, including pain management and diet restrictions
  • Patient may experience a sore throat and mild bleeding for a few days after the surgery

Overall, adenoidectomy is a relatively safe and common procedure with a low risk of complications. With proper pre-operative preparation and post-operative care, most patients recover well and experience improved breathing and reduced symptoms of adenoid enlargement.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with adenoidectomy surgery?
  2. What is the difference between using a laryngeal mask airway (LMA) versus endotracheal intubation (ETT) for managing the airway during surgery?
  3. Will I need to be intubated during the surgery, and if so, which method will be used?
  4. What are the benefits of using LMA over ETT for adenoidectomy surgery?
  5. How will the choice of airway management technique affect my recovery time and post-operative pain?
  6. Are there any specific factors that would make me a better candidate for LMA versus ETT during surgery?
  7. What is the success rate of using LMA for adenoidectomy surgeries, and have there been any complications reported with this technique?
  8. How experienced is the surgical team with using LMA for adenoidectomy surgeries?
  9. Are there any additional precautions or considerations I should take before undergoing adenoidectomy with LMA?
  10. How will my post-operative care and monitoring differ if LMA is used during my surgery?

Reference

Authors: Boroda N, Malesinska M, Kars MS, Smith LP. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2018 Apr;107:42-44. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2018.01.034. Epub 2018 Jan 31. PMID: 29501309