Retrospective Analysis of Patients Who Underwent Larynx Biopsy: Three-year Results In The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit

Abstract

Objective:Direct laryngoscopy is a procedure which is used for both making a diagnosis and taking a biopsy specimen, in patients with larynx pathology. All patients who have undergone airway examination and surgery are at risk for postoperative respiratory complications and require close follow up. For this reason, in our center, such patients are followed-up in Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) post-operatively for close follow-up and treatment. Methods:The data of 406 patients who have undergone direct laryngoscopy and suspension biopsy procedures and followed-up in PACU, were examined retrospectively. The time until extubation, total time spent in the PACU, analgesic, sedative and any additional medication requirements were recorded. Patients were observed for complications. Descriptive statistics, Student T-test and Friedman Test were applied. Results:The records of 406 patients who have undergone direct laryngoscopy and suspension biopsy procedures and admitted to PACU post-operatively in a 3 year time period were reviewed. Of all the patients, 333 were male and 73 were female. We found that time until extubation was 91 ± 45 minutes and total time spent in PACU was 186 ± 77 minutes. There was no statistically significant difference in the systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressure, oxygen saturation, and heart rates of patients during the PACU follow-up (p:0.12, p:0.27, p:0.17, p:0,41, p:0,07; respectively). During the PACU follow-up 7 patients have experienced complications and 8 patients had a prolonged PACU stay because of airway edema [total 15 patient (3, 69 % Conclusion:We think that admittance and follow up in the PACU, in the early post-operative period for patients who undergone upper airway surgery is useful.