Halitosis and Pain Post Electrocautery Adenoidectomy.

Area of Science:

• Paediatric Otolaryngology
• Surgical Outcomes Research

Background:

• Electrocautery adenoidectomy (ECA) is a common paediatric otolaryngology procedure.
• ECA offers advantages over curettage, including reduced bleeding and procedure time.
• Post-ECA pain and halitosis patterns remain uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the incidence and pattern of post-ECA pain and halitosis in paediatric patients.
• To establish a timeline for symptom resolution after electrocautery adenoidectomy.

Main Methods:

• A prospective observational study conducted at a single centre.
• Parental proxy visual analogue scales (VAS) assessed pain and halitosis in paediatric patients (<18 years).
• Nineteen patients were enrolled and followed for seven days post-procedure.

Main Results:

• Postoperative pain and halitosis peaked at three days post-ECA (median VAS 2 for pain, 6 for halitosis).
• Symptoms significantly resolved by seven days post-ECA, with median VAS scores of 0 for both pain and halitosis.
• The study identified a clear temporal pattern for these common post-adenoidectomy symptoms.

Conclusions:

• Pain and halitosis are expected symptoms following paediatric electrocautery adenoidectomy.
• These symptoms typically resolve within a seven-day postoperative period.
• Management can be achieved with simple analgesia, without the need for antibiotics.