Sedation-related outcomes in postoperative management of pediatric laryngotracheal reconstruction

ObjectiveExamine outcomes of varied postoperative sedation management in pediatric patients recovering from single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction.DesignRetrospective review of 34 patients treated with single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction from 2001 through 2011.SettingTertiary children's hospital.MethodsPatients were divided into 2 groups: those managed postoperatively with sedation, with or without paralysis (group 1), and those managed awake with narcotic pain medication as needed for primary management (group 2). Outcomes were measured as a function of sedation management. Outcomes investigated focused on those related to the success of the airway reconstruction, and those related to sedation management.ResultsOut of 68 cases of laryngotracheal reconstruction reviewed from 2001 to 2011, 34 were single stage reconstructions. Nineteen patients were sedated postoperatively (group 1) and fifteen patients were left awake (group 2). There were no significant differences between groups in airway-related outcomes, including risk of accidental decannulation, revision rates, and need for secondary airway procedures such as balloon dilation. Sedation-related outcomes, specifically focusing on differences in medical management, showed significant increases in rates of withdrawal (p < 0.0001), nursing concerns of withdrawal (p < 0.0001) and sedation level (p < 0.0001), pulmonary complications (OR 7.7, p = 0.008), and prolonged hospital stay due to withdrawal (p = 0.0005) in patients managed with sedation with or without paralysis. Multivariable regression analysis revealed that duration of sedation was the primary risk factor for increased postoperative morbidity, while younger age, lower weight, and use of a posterior graft were also significant variables assessed.ConclusionAvoiding sedation as the standard for postoperative management of single stage laryngotracheal reconstruction airway patients leads to an overall decreased risk of morbidity without increasing risk of airway-specific morbidity. This is specifically as related to withdrawal, pulmonary complications, concerns about sedation level and prolonged hospital course, all of which increase significantly with increased level and duration of sedation.