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Pediatric nocturnal enuresis secondary to airway obstruction from cleft palate repair
1Department of Surgery, Stanford University, California, USA.
Insights
Surgery for upper airway obstruction, like adenoidectomy, can resolve childhood nocturnal enuresis (bedwetting). A case study shows adenoid regrowth caused enuresis to return, but revision surgery provided a permanent solution.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Urology
- Otolaryngology
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Nocturnal enuresis is a common pediatric concern.
- Surgical interventions for upper airway issues can impact enuresis.
- Pharyngeal reconstructive surgery can lead to airway obstruction.
Observation:
- A 7-year-old boy developed nocturnal enuresis post-pharyngeal surgery causing airway obstruction.
- Enuresis improved after adenoidectomy but recurred due to adenoid regrowth.
- Revision adenoidectomy permanently resolved the enuresis.
Findings:
- Upper airway obstruction is linked to nocturnal enuresis in children.
- Adenoid regrowth can cause a relapse of enuresis.
- Surgical correction of airway obstruction offers a definitive treatment.
Implications:
- Highlights the connection between upper airway patency and bladder control.
- Suggests adenoidectomy as a potential treatment for specific enuresis cases.
- Emphasizes the importance of addressing airway obstruction in pediatric enuresis management.
Abstract:
Nocturnal enuresis in children can at times be alleviated or resolved completely with surgery on the upper airway. We present a report of a 7-year-old boy in whom nocturnal enuresis began immediately after reconstructive surgery of the pharynx that caused upper airway obstruction. Enuresis diminished immediately and stopped following an adenoidectomy but resumed secondary to adenoid regrowth after more than a year of dry nights. Nocturnal enuresis was immediately and permanently relieved by adenoidectomy revision. We review the relevant literature and discuss possible physiologic relationships between upper airway obstruction and bladder and renal function.