Postoperative complications of powered intracapsular tonsillectomy and monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy in teens versus adults.

OBJECTIVES: This study was performed to determine whether teens have different rates of posttonsillectomy hemorrhage, admission for dehydration, or recurrent tonsillitis compared to adults. Specifically, these parameters were compared within two groups: patients who underwent powered intracapsular tonsillectomy (PIT) and those who underwent monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy (MET). METHODS: In a retrospective review of 579 patients at least 12 years of age from January 2000 to July 2006 in a tertiary referral center, outcome measures of reoperation for hemorrhage, readmission or emergency room visit for dehydration, and postoperative tonsillitis were compared for 200 patients 12 to 19 years of age and 379 patients more than 19 years of age. These outcome measures in teens were compared to those in adults who had tonsillectomy by the same technique (101 teens who underwent PIT compared to 117 adults who underwent PIT, and 99 teens who underwent MET compared to 262 adults who underwent MET). Outcome measures were also compared within the PIT and MET groups based on the indication for surgery (chronic tonsillitis, tonsillar hypertrophy, or both). RESULTS: In comparing teens to adults who underwent the same technique (PIT versus PIT, or MET versus MET), no statistically significant differences existed in the incidence of hemorrhage, dehydration, or postoperative tonsillitis. Greater hemorrhage rates for adults who underwent MET compared to teens, however, almost met statistical significance (p = 0.053). Analyzing complication rates by indication within the PIT and MET groups exclusively revealed higher rates of hemorrhage in adults who underwent the MET technique for the indication of chronic tonsillitis. Within the PIT comparison, no significant differences were found on the basis of indication for surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Teenage patients who undergo tonsillectomy should be considered unique as far as complication rates are concerned. Comparison of technique-specific complication rates between adults and teens showed no significant differences in either the PIT or MET groups, although adults who underwent MET had greater hemorrhage rates that almost met significance (p = 0.053). Adults who were undergoing tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis were more likely than teens to encounter postoperative hemorrhage if they underwent the MET technique

Methemoglobinemia Induced By Topical Anesthesia During Fiberoptic Endotracheal Intubation

Poster presentation at 2005 American Academy Of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery Annual Meeting, Los Angeles, CA September 25-28, 2005. Introduction: Although local anesthetics are usually well tolerated, otolaryngologists need to be aware of the sometimes serious adverse events they can cause. The benzocaine containing sprays Hurricaine and Cetacaine are occasionally associated with the onset of life-threatening methemoglobinemia. The specific treatment for this condition is methylene blue. Methods and Measures: We describe a case report of a 48 year old female who developed a methemoglobin level of 41% after receiving topical benzocaine to her oropharynx. We discuss the case in light of the current literature. Results: After exposure to benzocaine, the patient developed severe cyanosis refractory to supplemental oxygen. Methemoglobinemia was suspected based on the recent exposure to benzocaine and the deeply cyanotic “chocolate” colored blood in the arterial blood gas specimen. After confirming the diagnosis with co-oximetry, the patient was treated with methylene blue. Her methemoglobin levels returned to normal within several hours. Conclusions: Otolaryngologists who use local anesthesia should be aware of the rare but serious complication of methemoglobinemia. Early diagnosis with co-oximetry and subsequent treatment with methylene blue can avoid a potentially life threatening situation