Our Summary

This research paper looks into the use of a breathing support technique known as Positive Pressure Support (PPS) after tonsil surgery in children. The study was conducted on children who had this surgery between 2015 and 2020, with some of them using PPS right after the surgery. The researchers found that PPS is generally safe, but if it’s used for the first time after surgery, it may increase the risk of serious complications, like bleeding, fluid build-up in the lungs, or the need for re-inserting a breathing tube. These complications were more likely in patients who were overweight, underwent a certain type of surgery, or used PPS for the first time. The study suggests that while PPS can be beneficial, it should be used with caution, especially in certain high-risk patients.

FAQs

  1. What is the Positive Pressure Support (PPS) technique used for after tonsil surgery in children?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications of using PPS for the first time after tonsil surgery?
  3. Who are considered high-risk patients for the use of PPS after tonsil surgery?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including resting, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activities. It’s important to take pain medication as prescribed and to eat soft, easy-to-swallow foods to avoid irritating the surgical site. It’s also important to watch for signs of complications, such as excessive bleeding, difficulty breathing, or signs of infection, and to contact your doctor if you experience any concerning symptoms.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tonsillectomy include those who have recurrent tonsillitis (usually more than seven episodes in one year, more than five episodes per year for two years, or more than three episodes per year for three years), enlarged tonsils causing obstructive sleep apnea, difficulty swallowing due to tonsil enlargement, or frequent abscesses in the tonsils. Additionally, patients with tumors or cancers of the tonsils may also require a tonsillectomy.

Timeline

Before tonsillectomy:

  1. Patient experiences recurrent tonsillitis, sore throat, difficulty swallowing, or other symptoms that indicate the need for surgery.
  2. Consultation with an ENT specialist to discuss the procedure, risks, and benefits.
  3. Pre-operative evaluation and tests are done to ensure the patient is fit for surgery.
  4. Patient is advised to stop taking certain medications or supplements that may increase the risk of bleeding during surgery.
  5. Surgery is scheduled and patient is instructed on pre-operative fasting and other preparation guidelines.

After tonsillectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes tonsillectomy surgery under general anesthesia.
  2. Post-operative recovery period in the hospital or outpatient setting, where pain management and monitoring for any complications are provided.
  3. Patient may experience pain, difficulty swallowing, and other side effects in the immediate post-operative period.
  4. Follow-up appointments with the surgeon to monitor healing and address any concerns.
  5. Gradual improvement in symptoms, such as reduced frequency of sore throats and improved overall health.
  6. Long-term benefits of the surgery, such as reduced risk of recurrent tonsillitis and related complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with tonsillectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery process after a tonsillectomy?
  3. What are the signs of infection or other complications that I should watch out for after the surgery?
  4. Will I need any pain medication or other post-operative care instructions?
  5. How soon can I resume normal activities like eating, drinking, and exercise after the surgery?
  6. Are there any dietary restrictions I should follow after the surgery?
  7. How often should I follow up with you after the surgery?
  8. Are there any specific precautions I should take to prevent complications during the recovery process?
  9. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that may help with my recovery?
  10. What are the potential benefits of using Positive Pressure Support (PPS) after tonsil surgery, and are there any specific criteria or concerns that I should be aware of if considering this option?

Reference

Authors: Hazkani I, Siong TC, Hill R, Dautel J, Patel MD, Vaughn W, Patzer R, Raol N. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2023 Apr;167:111487. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2023.111487. Epub 2023 Feb 16. PMID: 36857847