Injection bronchoplasty with carboxymethlycellulose with cystoscopy needle for neonatal persistent bronchopleural fistulae.

OBJECTIVE: We describe the novel use of injectable carboxymethylcellulose to close a persistent bronchopleural fistula (BPF) in a neonate who underwent an ex utero intrapartum treatment (EXIT) after aborted fetoscopy. METHODS: In this case, a patient with laryngeal atresia underwent fetoscopy that was halted after concern for instruments within the mediastinum, and thus ultimately required an EXIT to establish an airway. Bilateral pneumothoraces and eventually multiple BPF were identified that continued to persist despite multiple attempts at removal of chest tubes over a four-week period. We look at the role of endoscopy and a substance often used in the larynx to help close a persistent BPF. RESULTS: At initial bronchoscopy, no BPF was identified, but at subsequent evaluation due to persistent pneumothorax, we used increased positive end expiratory pressure to help reveal the fistula. Given the bronchial location of the fistula, traditional laryngeal instruments could not be used, requiring the use of urologic cystoscopy needles to assist in accessing these challenging locations. At postoperative day 2 from the injection, the chest tube was removed and did not require replacement. CONCLUSION: There are many methods to help treat BPF. The endoscopic injection of carboxymethylcellulose adds a technique to the pediatric otolaryngologist's armamentarium.

Postoperative Monitoring Following Adenotonsillectomy for Severe Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing adenotonsillectomy (T&A) for severe obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are usually admitted for observation, and many surgeons use the intensive care unit (ICU) for observation due to the risk of postsurgical airway obstruction. Given the limited resources of the pediatric ICU (PICU), there is a push to better define the patients who require postoperative monitoring in the PICU for monitoring severe OSA. METHODS: Forty-five patients were evaluated. Patients who had cardiac or craniofacial comorbidities were excluded. Patients undergoing T&A for severe OSA were monitored in the postanesthesia care unit (PACU) postoperatively. If patients required supplemental oxygen or developed hypoxia while in the PACU within the 3-hour monitoring period, they were admitted to the PICU. RESULTS: Overall, 16 of 45 patients were admitted to the ICU for monitoring. Patients with an Apnea-Hypopnea Index (AHI) >50 or with an oxygen nadir <80% were significantly more likely to be admitted to the PICU. The mean AHI of patients admitted to the PICU was 40.5, and the mean oxygen nadir was 69.9%. Patients younger than 2 years were significantly more likely to be admitted to the PICU. CONCLUSION: Based on the data presented here and academy recommendations, not all patients with severe OSA require ICU monitoring.