Selected risk factors in pediatric adenotonsillectomy

To evaluate the ability of a set of cost-effective criteria to identify before surgery the pediatric patients in whom perioperative respiratory compromise is most likely to develop after adenotonsillectomy.

A children's hospital medical center.

Prospective study using preoperative parental questionnaires and perioperative respiratory status documentation.

All patients scheduled at the outpatient clinic were eligible.

The development of respiratory compromise as defined by at least 1 of the following occurring more than 2 hours after surgery: an oxygen desaturation level of less than 90%, an obstructive breathing pattern, or respiratory distress requiring intervention.

The risk of respiratory compromise was significantly increased in patients who were younger than 3 years (P < .001) and in those who had neuromuscular disorders (P < .05), chromosomal abnormalities (P < .005), difficulty in breathing during sleep (P < .005), restless sleep (P < .01), loud snoring with apnea (P < .05), or an upper respiratory tract infection within 4 weeks of surgery (P = .005). Respiratory compromise did not develop in any patients who did not snore (P < .05).

A complete history that includes symptoms suggestive of sleep apnea will assist in the preoperative identification of pediatric patients most at risk for perioperative respiratory compromise after undergoing adenotonsillectomy. Such patients might benefit from overnight observation in a hospital setting. However, when snoring is absent, outpatient surgery is appropriate, as the risk of respiratory compromise is minimal.