Peripheral facial palsy after adenotonsillectomy in children.
Transient facial palsy is a rare complication after adenotonsillectomy. In this study, we report two cases who developed unilateral peripheral facial palsy immediately after adenotonsillectomy. The facial palsy in both cases completely recovered in 6 and 3h respectively without any treatment. We assumed the possible mechanism was deep infiltration of the local anesthetics into parapharyngeal space and then the direct action on the facial nerve. Therefore, we suggest three policies to avoid this complication: (1) inject the local anesthetics exactly into peritonsillar space, (2) avoid repeated injections or overdose, (3) slowly and gently inject the local anesthetics.
Department of Otolaryngology, Mackay Memorial Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan. kelee147@ms31.hinet.net
Kuo-Sheng
KS
Lee
Kuan-Ling
KL
Lin
Yu-Chun
YC
Chen
D000233:Adenoidectomy; D000779:Anesthetics, Local / Q000009:adverse effects*; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005158:Facial Paralysis / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008012:Lidocaine / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D014068:Tonsillectomy
D000779:Anesthetics, Local; D008012:Lidocaine