Anesthesia management of adenotonsillectomy

Abstract

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common pediatric surgeries done. Anesthesia for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy is one of the most challenging to administer even in modern times. The types of anesthesia and drugs are usually dictated by the patient’s own pathophysiology and the anesthesiologist’s experience. The restricted space for working in these surgeries mandates an understanding and cooperation between the surgeon and anesthesiologist. Postoperative bleeding and airway obstruction have been leading causes of death in the postoperative period. Mortality though overall low may increase with reoperations. Most of these surgeries are carried out on ambulatory basis in modern times thus greater care has to be taken by the anesthesiologist to ensure street fitness in these patients. Even seemingly trivial issues like postoperative nausea vomiting may be of significant importance in these patients.