Laryngoscope Force During Suspension for Adenotonsillectomy

Adenotonsillectomy is the most common surgery performed in North America (annual caseload in the United States 500,000). This procedure is performed with suspension laryngoscopy (SL), which consists in the extension of the patient's neck and concomitant lifting of the anterior oropharynx structures to allow direct visualization of the tonsils.

In adults undergoing microlaryngoscopy, the time maximum force recorded during suspension was a significant predictive variable for the development of postoperative complications such as tongue edema, pain and narcotic requirements. Force metrics during laryngoscopy vary significantly among different surgical procedures. Active intraoperative monitoring of force metrics has been shown to reduce postoperative complications in adults. Moreover, in adult cadaveric models, spinal cord compression associated with cord injury may be directly correlated with the force applied during laryngoscopy5,6. In patients with cervical instability, such as patients with Trisomy, adenotonsillectomy carries a significant risk of spinal injury, as laryngoscopy may result in C1-C2 subluxation.

To date, no data exist on force metric during suspension laryngoscopy children. The primary aim of this study is to investigate the relationship of force metrics during adenotonsillectomy, adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy and postoperative pain.

The secondary aim is to describe the force metrics in the pediatric population.