COMMON TOPICS IN PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY

It is not possible to cover all the important topics of pediatric otolaryngology in one article. However, we think that a thorough overview of pediatric surgery must include discussion of certain common procedures in pediatric otolaryngology. These include tonsillectomy, adenoidectomy, tympanostomy with tube insertion, sinus surgery, and tracheostomy. Management of congenital neck masses and sinus tracts is covered in the article in this issue by Brown. A more complete coverage of pediatric otolaryngology including the management of foreign bodies, nasal obstruction, hearing loss, sialorrhea, congenital ear malformations, voice disorders, stridor, and airway compromise can be found in the December 1989 issue of Pediatric Clinics of North America. 16 Although indications and contraindications will be mentioned when appropriate, this article will focus on the perioperative and postoperative (both short-term and long-term) management of the surgical patient.