The effect of deep vs. awake extubation on respiratory complications in high-risk children undergoing adenotonsillectomy: a randomised controlled trial.

CONTEXT: There is ongoing debate regarding the optimal timing for tracheal extubation in children at increased risk of perioperative respiratory adverse events, particularly following adenotonsillectomy.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the occurrence of perioperative respiratory adverse events in children undergoing elective adenotonsillectomy extubated under deep anaesthesia or when fully awake.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomised controlled trial.

SETTING

Tertiary paediatric hospital.

PATIENTS: One hundred children (<16 years), with at least one risk factor for perioperative respiratory adverse events (current or recent upper respiratory tract infection in the past 2 weeks, eczema, wheezing in the past 12 months, dry nocturnal cough, wheezing on exercise, family history of asthma, eczema or hay fever as well as passive smoking).

INTERVENTION: Deep or awake extubation.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: The occurrence of perioperative respiratory adverse events (laryngospasm, bronchospasm, persistent coughing, airway obstruction, desaturation <95%).

RESULTS

There were no differences between the two groups with regard to age, medical and surgical parameters. The overall incidence of complications did not differ between the two groups; tracheal extubation in fully awake children was associated with a greater incidence of persistent coughing (60 vs. 35%, P = 0.028), whereas the incidence of airway obstruction relieved by simple airway manoeuvres in children extubated while deeply anaesthetised was greater (26 vs. 8%, P = 0.03). There was no difference in the incidence of oxygen desaturation lasting more than 10 s.

CONCLUSION

There was no difference in the overall incidence of perioperative respiratory adverse events. Both extubation techniques may be used in high-risk children undergoing adenotonsillectomy provided that the child is monitored closely in the postoperative period.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12609000387224.