Three extraordinary complications of adenotonsillectomy.
In a 6-month period, three patients aged 5-11 years were transferred to our tertiary care children's hospital for management of severe complications following adenotonsillectomy. The first patient presented with headaches and lethargy and was found to have a sagittal sinus thrombosis from severe dehydration. The second patient was admitted immediately following an intra-operative oral cavity fire due to electrocautery malfunction. She suffered partial-thickness burns to the buccal mucosa, palate, and lips. The third patient was admitted with torticollis. Grisel's syndrome was initially suspected, but a thorough work up resulted in the diagnosis of a conversion disorder. These cases comprise an interesting cohort of three little-known complications of adenotonsillectomy.
Reilly
Michael J
MJ
Georgetown University Hospital, Otolaryngology - Head & Neck Surgery, 3800 Reservoir Rd., Washington, DC 20007, USA. mikereillydc@gmail.com
Milmoe
Gregory
G
Pena
Maria
M
D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002058:Burns, Electric / Q000209:etiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003291:Conversion Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis; D003681:Dehydration / Q000150:complications; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects; D004868:Equipment Failure; D005221:Fatigue / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006261:Headache / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009055:Mouth / Q000293:injuries; D019547:Neck Pain / Q000523:psychology; D020225:Sagittal Sinus Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology; D012640:Seizures / Q000209:etiology; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects*; D014103:Torticollis / Q000523:psychology