Electrocautery
is frequently used for incisions and bleeding control during adenotonsillectomy
which is one of the most commonly performed pediatric surgical procedures.
Although cases of perioral burn related to electrocautery use are rarely
reported complications in literature, they account for a significant portion of
malpractice lawsuits. The use of insulated surgical tools and lip protective
equipment, careful surgery, and the frequent control of surgical equipment may
decrease the number of this complication. This study examines whether a rarely
reported complication related to perioral burn is indeed rarely seen or whether
there are problems in reporting the real rates because it is evaluated to be a
case of malpractice, and the protective factors that will prevent this problem.
Consequently, it is underlined that this complication, which is more frequently
seen than it is reported, should be a part of preoperative information process
and the consent form.
References
[1]
A. R. Simonsen, J. A. Duncavage and S. S. Becker, “A Review of Malpractice Cases after Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy,” International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Vol. 74, No. 9, 2010, pp. 977-979.
doi:10.1016/j.ijporl.2010.05.029
[2]
D. J. Spencer and J. E. Jones, “Complications of Adenotonsillectomy in Patients Younger than 3 Years,” Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, Vol. 138, No. 4, 2012, pp. 335-339.
doi:10.1001/archoto.2012.1
[3]
L. B. Johnson, R. G. Elluru and C. M. Myer III, “Complications of Adenotonsillectomy,” Laryngoscope, Vol. 112, No. 8, 2002, pp. 35-36.
[4]
T. Q. Gallagher, L. Wilcox, E. McGuire and C. S. Derkay, “Analyzing Factors Associated with Major Complications after Adenotonsillectomy in 4776 Patients: Comparing Three Tonsillectomy Techniques,” Otolaryngology—Head and Neck Surgery, Vol. 142, No. 6, 2010, pp. 886-892.
doi:10.1016/j.otohns.2010.02.019
[5]
M. J. Reilly, G. Milmoe and M. Pena, “Three Extraordinary Complications of Adenotonsillectomy,” International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology, Vol. 70, No. 5, 2006, pp. 941-946.
doi:10.1016/j.ijporl.2005.09.023
[6]
M. Tsuchida, K. Sakuma, M. Maruyama, H. Hanazawa, M. Urano and K. Shimoji, “Oro-Pharyngeal Burn during Electrodissection of the Adenoid and Tonsil,” Masui, Vol. 46, No. 7, 1997, pp. 959-961.
[7]
M. J. Nuara, et al., “Perioral Burns after Adenotonsillectomy: A Potentially Serious Complication,” Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, Vol. 134, No. 1, 2008, pp. 10-15. doi:10.1001/archoto.2007.5
[8]
T. R. Lowry and J. R. Workman, “Avoiding Oral Burns during Electrocautery Tonsillectomy,” Ear, Nose & Throat Journal, Vol. 88, No. 2, 2009, pp. 790-792.
[9]
M. Keskin, Z. Tosun, A. Duymaz and N. Savaci, “Perioral Electrical Burn in Children: Case Report,” Ulusal Travma ve Acil Cerrahi Dergisi, Vol. 14, No. 4, 2008, pp. 326-329.
[10]
R. N. Kaddoum, E. J. Chidiac, M. M. Zestos and Z. Ahmed, “Electrocautery-Induced Fire during Adenotonsillectomy: Report of Two Cases,” Journal of Clinical Anesthesia, Vol. 18, No. 2, 2006, pp. 129-131.
doi:10.1016/j.jclinane.2005.09.032
[11]
U. K. Shah, “A Simple Suggestion to Reduce Perioral Burns during Adenotonsillectomy,” Archives of Otolaryngology—Head & Neck Surgery, Vol. 134, No. 6, 2008, pp. 673-673. doi:10.1001/archotol. 134.6.673-b
[12]
G. Nikoghosyan-Bossen, A. Hauberg and P. Homoe, “Systematic Analysis of Ear-Nose-Throat Malpractice Complaints May Be Beneficial for Patient Safety,” Danish Medical Journal, Vol. 59, No. 2, 2012, p. A4422.
[13]
D. Mistry and G. Kelly, “Consent for Tonsillectomy,” Clinical Otolaryngology & Allied Sciences, Vol. 29, No. 4, 2004, pp. 362-368.
doi:10.1111/j.1365-2273.2004.00818.x
