Conscious sedation for the management of peritonsillar abscess in pediatric patients: A prospective case series and literature review

Objective

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common pediatric infection requiring drainage. Conscious Sedation (CS) can facilitate drainage in uncooperative children. However, it carries risks, especially if the airway is compromised. Moreover, evidence on its safety and efficacy is limited. This study examined the safety, pain reduction, and anxiety management of hospitalized pediatric patients treated for PTA under CS.

Materials and methods

We performed a prospective observational case series of 118 children aged 2–15 years with 155 PTA episodes, managed from 2016 to 2023. Conscious sedation was used in 42 episodes. Outcomes were compared among CS and non-CS (local anesthesia only). Complications assessed safety. Efficacy was evaluated by the amount of pus, hospitalization parameters, pain scores, and recurrence.

Results

No significant differences were found regarding the demographic and presentation parameters except for younger age among the CS group (9 vs 11 years p = 0.001). One minor oxygen desaturation (2 %) event occurred with CS. Abscess drainage amount was greater with CS than non-CS, 4.9±4 mL vs. 3.2±2 mL, respectively (p = 0.03). Hospitalization stays were similar among groups. Maximum pain scores were lower with CS than non-CS, 1.4 ± 2 vs 4.2 ± 3 (p < 0.001); similarly, IV pain medication was used less frequently, 0.9 ± 1 vs. 1.6 ± 3 (p = 0.045), and the need for re-aspiration was less common 14 % vs. 28 % (p = 0.04), with CS than non-CS, respectively. The three-month recurrence rate was numerically lower with CS (5 % vs. 14 % non-CS).

Conclusions

Conscious sedation facilitates PTA drainage with excellent safety and improved efficacy compared to local anesthesia in children. Pain scores are reduced both during drainage and hospitalization. Our prospective data add to the limited evidence supporting CS as a viable option for abscess drainage in uncooperative pediatric patients. Further study is warranted to confirm potential long-term reductions in recurrence.