Efficacy of sniffing position in alleviating glossoptosis during emergence from anesthesia in children

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of sniffing position in alleviating glossoptosis during the emergence from anesthesia in children. Methods Two hundred pediatric patients who developed glossoptosis during the emergence from anesthesia, aged 2-8 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical statusⅠ or Ⅱ, were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=50 each) using a random number table: head extension position group (group A), head tilted position group (group B), oropharyngeal airway group (group C) and sniffing position group (group D). Alleviation of glossoptosis, and occurrence of laryngospasm, agitation, vomiting and oral hemorrhage were recorded.Alleviation rate was calculated. Results Compared with group A, the alleviation rate was significantly increased in C and D groups, the alleviation rate was decreased in group B, and the incidence of laryngospasm, agitation and oral hemorrhage was increased in group C (P<0.05). Conclusion Sniffing position can effectively alleviate glossoptosis during the emergence from anesthesia in children with good safety. Key words: Posture; Tongue diseases; Postoperative complications; Anesthesia recovery period; Child