ORL; journal for oto-rhino-laryngology and its related specialties
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ORL J. Otorhinolaryngol. Relat. Spec. · Jan 2013
Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative StudyComparison of the effects of desflurane and sevoflurane on middle ear pressure: a randomized controlled clinical trial.
The aim of the present study was to compare the effects of two inhalation anesthetics, desflurane and sevoflurane, on middle ear pressure. ⋯ It was observed that the increase in middle ear pressure caused by sevoflurane was significantly lower than that caused by desflurane.
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ORL J. Otorhinolaryngol. Relat. Spec. · Jan 2013
Historical ArticleFactors influencing the indication for tonsillectomy: a historical overview and current concepts.
Tonsil surgery has been performed for more than 3,000 years. During the 19th century when anesthesia became available, techniques were refined and the number of procedures performed increased. Repeated throat infections often causing big tonsils was the reason why parents asked for the procedure. ⋯ Tonsillotomy was revived during the 1990s and is today used increasingly in many countries. The indication is mainly obstructive sleep apnea syndromeor sleep-disordered breathing, especially in small children. Total tonsillectomy is still preferred for recurrent infections, which include periodic fever/adenitis/pharyngitis/aphthous ulcer syndrome and recurrent peritonsillitis.
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Dexamethasone is widely administered to children during elective tonsillectomy to reduce the rate of postoperative nausea and vomiting, as well as decrease postoperative use of pain medications. Over the past two decades, there has been a wealth of literature advocating the practice that has led to endorsement by a variety of anesthesia and otolaryngology professional associations. However, the publication of a trial that was halted due to a potential dose-dependent association between postoperative hemorrhage and dexamethasone raised significant scrutiny regarding the practice in 2008. ⋯ Ultimately, the body of evidence that currently exists appears to support the concept that a single dose of perioperative dexamethasone is not associated with undue risk. A decision to withdraw dexamethasone from use in pediatric tonsillectomy needs to be weighed against the potential of causing increased postoperative nausea, vomiting, pain, and resultant hospital readmission. At this point, surgeons and anesthesiologists should feel comfortable giving perioperative dexamethasone but must remain vigilant for bleeding complications.
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ORL J. Otorhinolaryngol. Relat. Spec. · Jan 2013
How to make tonsillectomy a safer procedure: the anaesthetist's view.
Anaesthetists use specific drugs peri-operatively to try to decrease the incidence and severity of postoperative pain and of postoperative nausea and vomiting. These drugs are usually administered pre-operatively with the premedication, or intra-operatively when the patient is still anaesthetised. The aim of this approach is to prevent the occurrence of intolerable pain or to avoid any nausea or vomiting symptoms which may be clearly unpleasant for the patient and which interfere with the patient's well-being, recovery and satisfaction. ⋯ Perhaps a 'wait-and-see' approach should be considered; especially non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or dexamethasone should not be given pre-operatively to all patients but should be provided exclusively to those in whom alternative analgesics (for instance, paracetamol combined with a weak opioid) or alternative anti-emetics (for instance, a setron or droperidol) have failed or are associated with unacceptable adverse effects. There is no evidence that prophylactic administration of an analgesic or an anti-emetic is more efficacious than the therapeutic administration. An interesting alternative to achieve satisfactory posttonsillectomy analgesia may be with local anaesthesia swabs that are applied onto the wound.