A Standardized Care Pathway following Mandibular Distraction in Infants Less Than 3 Months of Age.

OBJECTIVES

To assess for differences in postoperative care following mandibular distraction osteogenesis (MDO) in infants before and after implementation of a standardized protocol.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective chart review.

SETTING

Urban tertiary pediatric hospital.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

The inpatient charts of infants who underwent MDO before 90 days of age were assessed for metrics such as postoperative length of stay (LOS), duration of mechanical ventilation, and the choice and duration of sedating medications.

RESULTS

Over a 6-year period, 16 patients met inclusion criteria. The first 4 consecutive patients were managed at the discretion of the critical care staff. The remaining 12 infants were managed with a planned 4- to 6-day period of postoperative intubation, during which a standard protocol determined the choice, dosage, and duration of sedating medications. The mean age was similar between groups (preprotocol: mean, 26.5 days; protocol: mean, 20.3 days; = .51). The mean postoperative LOS was 13.3 days less among infants managed with the protocol ( = .06), and the mean number of midazolam boluses was fewer among protocol patients ( < .01). A more consistent postoperative LOS, duration of mechanical ventilation, and exposure to sedating medications was observed among protocol subjects ( < .01). The LOS for 2 patients in the preprotocol group was extended due to iatrogenic withdrawal syndrome. There were no instances of accidental extubation or anoxia in either group.

CONCLUSIONS

Among infants undergoing MDO, standardizing postoperative airway and sedation practices may offer a more predictable postoperative course as compared with a case-by-case management philosophy.