Rethinking surgical technique and priorities for pediatric tonsillectomy

Benjamin J Rubinstein; Craig S Derkay

doi:10.1016/j.amjoto.2017.01.011

Rethinking surgical technique and priorities for pediatric tonsillectomy

Am J Otolaryngol. 2017 Mar-Apr;38(2):233-236. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2017.01.011. Epub 2017 Jan 18.

Authors

Benjamin J Rubinstein¹, Craig S Derkay²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 600 Gresham Drive Suite 1100, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA. Electronic address: rubinsbj@evms.edu.
² Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Eastern Virginia Medical School, 600 Gresham Drive Suite 1100, Norfolk, Virginia 23507, USA. Electronic address: Craig.Derkay@chkd.org.

PMID: 28117117
DOI: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2017.01.011

Abstract

The past 100years have witnessed dramatic shifts in the concept of ideal surgical goals and operative technique in tonsil surgery. Surgeons are reviving a technique of intracapsular tonsillectomy with increasing precision thanks to modern technology. With intracapsular tonsillectomy, pediatric patients recover faster, use less pain medication, and have a lower risk of dehydration and hemorrhage. Various considerations will dictate the adoption of this technology in the coming years. This current review explores concepts and controversies surrounding tonsillectomy with a focus on quality improvement.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Child
Humans
Pain, Postoperative / prevention & control
Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
Postoperative Hemorrhage / prevention & control
Quality Improvement
Tonsillectomy / methods*