[Sluder's adenotonsillectomy: with or without endotracheal intubation?].

OBJECTIVE

To assess differences in results and complications of adenotonsillectomy according to Sluder in children anaesthesized with or without endotracheal intubation.

DESIGN

Retrospective descriptive study.

SETTING

Ear, Nose and Throat department, Academic Hospital Nijmegen, the Netherlands.

METHOD

The medical records were reviewed of 1011 children (511 non-intubated, before 1992, 500 intubated), and a questionnaire was sent to the parents regarding the postoperative period.

RESULTS

The total proportion of postoperative haemorrhage was 4.35%; 5.1% in the non-intubated group, 3.6% in the intubated group (p > 0.05). In the intubated group there were more patients with postoperative fever (p < 0.01) but fewer with tonsillar remnants (p < 0.005). The procedure with intubation anesthesia took significantly more time (18 min versus 11 min).

CONCLUSION

In a training situation the intubated procedure is advised because of available time. This does not apply to experienced specialists, who may even have fewer complications.