Tonsillar Retractor-induced Subacute Submassive Tongue Edema

Tonsillar Retractor-induced Subacute Submassive Tongue Edema: A New Cause of Late Respiratory Complications in Pediatric Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy and a Condition Detected by Ultrasonography

This study aimed to detect tongue edema induced by the pressure exerted by tonsillar retractor; edema detection was made through tongue area measurement using ultrasonography (USG) in pediatric patients who underwent tonsillectomy surgeries.

The tongue is an ideal organ for ultrasonography (USG) evaluation. This study aimed to detect the occurrence of tongue edema through USG examination and to educate clinicians about the association between subacute tongue edema and tonsillar retractor in pediatric patients.

Inclusion Criteria for study group:

• Patients aged 16 years or younger
• Undergo tonsillectomy surgery
• Patients informed consent obtained from the parents

Exclusion Criteria for study group:

• Patients aged older than 16 years
• Patients with a history of syndromal craniofacial abnormalities
• Patients with systemic disorders and other otolaryngologic problems

Inclusion Criteria for control group:

• Patients aged 16 years or younger
• Patients who did not need tonsillectomy surgery and any head and neck procedures
• Patients who underwent endotracheal intubation under general anesthesia except tonsillectomy and head and neck surgery.