RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Postoperative sore throat is one of the main postoperative complaints in patients undergoing tonsillectomy. As the primary outcome, we aimed to determine whether endotracheal tube cuffs filled with alkalinized lidocaine are associated with a lower incidence of postoperative sore throat and anesthesia emergence phenomena in children undergoing tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy. We also assessed the potential additional benefits of IV dexamethasone in reducing postoperative laryngotracheal morbidity. METHODS: This is a clinical prospective, randomized, controlled trial. Patients were randomly allocated to one of four groups, as follows: air - endotracheal tube cuff filled with air; air/dex - endotracheal tube cuff filled with air and intravenous dexamethasone; lido - endotracheal tube cuff filled with alkalinized lidocaine; and lido/dex - endotracheal tube cuff filled with alkalinized lidocaine and intravenous dexamethasone. Perioperative hemodynamic parameters and the incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting, coughing and hoarseness were recorded. Postoperative sore throat was assessed in the postanesthetic care unit and 24 hours post tracheal extubation. RESULTS: In total, 154 children aged 4-12 years, ASA physical status I or II, undergoing general anesthesia for elective tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy, were assessed for postoperative sore throat in this study. The incidence of postoperative sore throat 24 hours after tracheal extubation was significantly lower in the lido/dex group compared to groups air and air/dex (p = 0.01). However, no additional reduction in these symptoms was observed from the intravenous administration of dexamethasone when comparing the lido and lido/dex groups. Similarly, there were no differences among groups regarding perioperative hemodynamic variables or postoperative nausea and vomiting, coughing, and hoarseness during the study period. CONCLUSION: Intracuff alkalinized lidocaine, associated with intravenous dexamethasone, might be effective in reducing sore throat 24 hours post-tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy in children when compared to the use of air as the cuff insufflation media.
Assuntos
Anestesia Geral , Anestésicos Locais , Dexametasona , Intubação Intratraqueal , Lidocaína , Faringite , Complicações Pós-Operatórias , Tonsilectomia , Humanos , Dexametasona/administração & dosagem , Tonsilectomia/métodos , Tonsilectomia/efeitos adversos , Lidocaína/administração & dosagem , Criança , Masculino , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Anestesia Geral/métodos , Faringite/prevenção & controle , Faringite/etiologia , Faringite/epidemiologia , Estudos Prospectivos , Intubação Intratraqueal/métodos , Intubação Intratraqueal/efeitos adversos , Anestésicos Locais/administração & dosagem , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/prevenção & controle , Complicações Pós-Operatórias/epidemiologia , Administração Intravenosa , Náusea e Vômito Pós-Operatórios/epidemiologia , Náusea e Vômito Pós-Operatórios/prevenção & controleRESUMO
La presentación bilateral del absceso periamigdalino es poco frecuente. Su abordaje es controversial y se discute si realizar amigdalectomía en caliente versus diferida. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 14 años, con odinofagia, trismo y fiebre. Presentaba hipertrofia amigdalina bilateral, pilares abombados y edema de paladar blando. Tomografía computada: hipertrofia amigdalina bilateral, con realce poscontraste, ambas con colección, edema con moderada estenosis faríngea. Se decidió internación para tratamiento endovenoso y amigdalectomía con drenaje bilateral. Resolución completa del cuadro con alta a las 48 horas. Ante la presencia de un absceso periamigdalino, debe considerarse la posibilidad de un absceso contralateral oculto. Debe ser diagnosticado y tratado adecuadamente para prevenir complicaciones. La amigdalectomía en caliente podría ser un tratamiento seguro y debería ser considerado en pacientes que serán sometidos a anestesia para drenaje. La decisión final debe ser determinada para cada caso en particular.
The bilateral presentation of peritonsillar abscess is uncommon. Its management is controversial and it has been argued whether a quinsy tonsillectomy or an interval tonsillectomy should be performed. Here we describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with sore throat, trismus, and fever. He had bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy, convex arches, and soft palate edema. Computed tomography: bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy, with post-contrast enhancement, both with collection, edema with moderate pharyngeal stenosis. The patient was hospitalized for intravenous therapy and tonsillectomy with bilateral drainage resulting in a complete resolution of his condition and discharge at 48 hours. In the presence of a peritonsillar abscess, an unsuspected contralateral abscess should be considered. It should be diagnosed and managed adequately to prevent complications. Quinsy tonsillectomy could be safe and should be considered in patients who will undergo anesthesia for abscess drainage. The final decision should be made for each patient on an individual basis.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Adolescente , Faringite , Abscesso Peritonsilar/cirurgia , Abscesso Peritonsilar/diagnóstico , Tonsilectomia/métodos , Edema , Hipertrofia/complicaçõesRESUMO
The bilateral presentation of peritonsillar abscess is uncommon. Its management is controversial and it has been argued whether a quinsy tonsillectomy or an interval tonsillectomy should be performed. Here we describe the case of a 14-year-old boy with sore throat, trismus, and fever. He had bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy, convex arches, and soft palate edema. Computed tomography: bilateral tonsillar hypertrophy, with post-contrast enhancement, both with collection, edema with moderate pharyngeal stenosis. The patient was hospitalized for intravenous therapy and tonsillectomy with bilateral drainage resulting in a complete resolution of his condition and discharge at 48 hours. In the presence of a peritonsillar abscess, an unsuspected contralateral abscess should be considered. It should be diagnosed and managed adequately to prevent complications. Quinsy tonsillectomy could be safe and should be considered in patients who will undergo anesthesia for abscess drainage. The final decision should be made for each patient on an individual basis.
La presentación bilateral del absceso periamigdalino es poco frecuente. Su abordaje es controversial y se discute si realizar amigdalectomía en caliente versus diferida. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino, de 14 años, con odinofagia, trismo y fiebre. Presentaba hipertrofia amigdalina bilateral, pilares abombados y edema de paladar blando. Tomografía computada: hipertrofia amigdalina bilateral, con realce poscontraste, ambas con colección, edema con moderada estenosis faríngea. Se decidió internación para tratamiento endovenoso y amigdalectomía con drenaje bilateral. Resolución completa del cuadro con alta a las 48 horas. Ante la presencia de un absceso periamigdalino, debe considerarse la posibilidad de un absceso contralateral oculto. Debe ser diagnosticado y tratado adecuadamente para prevenir complicaciones. La amigdalectomía en caliente podría ser un tratamiento seguro y debería ser considerado en pacientes que serán sometidos a anestesia para drenaje. La decisión final debe ser determinada para cada caso en particular.
Assuntos
Abscesso Peritonsilar , Faringite , Tonsilectomia , Masculino , Humanos , Adolescente , Abscesso Peritonsilar/diagnóstico , Abscesso Peritonsilar/cirurgia , Tonsilectomia/métodos , Hipertrofia/complicações , EdemaRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: The objective of this study was to verify changes in behavioral abilities and cognitive functions after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) in children with refractory sleep-disordered breathing (SDB) in the long term after adenotonsillectomy. METHODS: A prospective clinical trial study using RME therapy was conducted. Participant inclusion criteria were children who had adenotonsillectomy with maxillary transverse deficiency and persistent SDB (obstructive apnea-hypopnea index ≥1). The study included 24 children aged 5-12 years, and of these 24 children, 13 had primary snoring and 11 had obstructive sleep apnea. The patients underwent laryngeal nasofibroscopy and a complete polysomnography. In addition, patients completed the Obstructive Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and Obstructive Sleep Apnea 18-Item Quality-of-Life Questionnaire. Behavioral and neurocognitive tests were also completed before and after RME. RESULTS: The Obstructive Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire and Obstructive Sleep Apnea 18-Item Quality-of-Life scores showed a statistically significant decrease in both groups (P <0.001) after RME. The results showed that neurocognitive and behavioral parameters (Child Behavior Checklist scale) were similar in primary snoring and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) groups before RME. In the OSA group, the mean scores of the "Somatic" and "Aggressiveness" domains decreased significantly (P <0.05). The cognitive functions did not register significant differences pre- and post-RME in any of the cognitive functions, except for visuospatial function in the OSA group. CONCLUSIONS: The noncontrolled design was a major limitation of our study. The need for treatment for SDB should consider the association of symptoms and behavioral disturbances with the child's obstructive apnea-hypopnea index. RME might prove to be an alternative treatment for children with SDB refractory to adenotonsillectomy, improving quality of life and behavioral aspects. However, a larger sample size with a control group is needed to substantiate these claims.
Assuntos
Síndromes da Apneia do Sono , Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono , Tonsilectomia , Criança , Humanos , Adenoidectomia/métodos , Cognição , Técnica de Expansão Palatina , Estudos Prospectivos , Qualidade de Vida , Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono/cirurgia , Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono/diagnóstico , Ronco/cirurgia , Tonsilectomia/métodosRESUMO
Resumen Introducción: La amigdalectomía es una de las cirugías más frecuentes en la población pediátrica. Aunque se considera una cirugía sencilla y segura, no está exenta de riesgos, siendo el principal la hemorragia posoperatoria. Objetivo: Evaluar el manejo de la hemorragia posamigdalectomía en otorrinolaringólogos en Chile. Material y Método: Se realizó un estudio transversal descriptivo sobre la experiencia y manejo de hemorragias posamigdalectomía mediante una encuesta difundida a socios activos de la Sociedad Chilena de Otorrinolaringología, Medicina y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SOCHIORL). Resultados: Se recopilaron respuestas de 102 de los 348 socios. El 97% ha presentado esta complicación. La medida inicial ante una hemorragia tardía fuera de una unidad de otorrinolaringología es derivar al servicio de urgencias en el 88% de los casos. En urgencia, la indicación más frecuente es administrar ácido tranexámico endovenoso en un 80%. En el caso de hemorragia sin estigmas de sangrado actual, un 68% indica alta con control precoz. Si se evidencian coágulos en la fosa amigdalina, el 72% indica hospitalización para observación. Si se evidencia sangrado activo, el 94% indica hospitalización y revisión de hemostasia en pabellón. Conclusión: Los resultados a nivel nacional, según este estudio, son concordantes con la literatura mundial. El manejo en el servicio de urgencia se basa en la experiencia del tratante. Respecto a los distintos escenarios clínicos, se recomienda hospitalización en caso de evidenciar coágulos y manejo en pabellón en la presencia de sangrado activo. El manejo es variable en pacientes sin hallazgos al examen físico.
Abstract Introduction: Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequent surgeries in the pediatric population. Although it is considered a simple and safe surgery, it has associated risks, the main one being postoperative bleeding. Aim: Evaluate the management of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in otorhinolaryngologists practicing in Chile. Material and Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out on the experience and management of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage through a survey distributed to active members of the Sociedad Chilena de Otorrinolaringología, Medicina y Cirugía de Cabeza y Cuello (SOCHIORL). Results: Responses were collected from 102 out of 348 active members, of which 97% have presented this complication. The initial measure in a late hemorrhage occurring outside of an otolaryngology unit is referral to the emergency department in 88% of cases. In the emergency room, the most frequent management is to administer intravenous tranexamic acid in 80%. In the case of hemorrhage without trace of current bleeding, 68% discharge with early control. If clots are evident in the tonsillar fossa, 72% admit for observation. If there is evidence of active bleeding, 94% admit and perform revision surgery. Conclusion: Results of this study are consistent with international literature. Management in the emergency department is based on the experience of the treating physician and different clinical scenarios. Hospitalization is recommended when clots are observed, revision surgery when evidence of active bleeding and, in patients with no findings at the moment of the evaluation, management is variable.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Tonsilectomia/efeitos adversos , Hemorragia Pós-Operatória/epidemiologia , Otolaringologia , Tonsilectomia/métodos , Chile , Estudos Transversais , Inquéritos e Questionários , Fatores de RiscoRESUMO
OBJECTIVE: To perform a case series analysis of the changes in the pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP), nasal inspiratory flow (NIF), upper airway volume, obstructive apnea/hypopnea index (OAHI), and the maxillomandibular three-dimensional (3D) morphology after adenotonsillectomy (T&A) of obstructive sleep apnea children (OSA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: Retrospective assessment of files from 1002 children screened between 2012 and 2020 in a hospital-based mouth-breather referral center. From this universe, 15 obstructive sleep apnea children (7 females; 8 males), ages 4.1 to 8.9 years old (mean age of 5.4 years ± 1.3), who presented indications of tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy were selected. The complete baseline examination (T0) was carried out before T&A and a second complete examination (T1) was made 18.7-month follow-up after T&A (ranging from 12 to 30 months). Eleven patients were submitted to T&A, and four patients had indications but did not receive authorization for surgery from the public health system. According to the protocol of the outpatient clinic for OSA patients, Doppler echocardiography, polysomnography, rhinomanometry, and computed tomography imaging was performed at (T0) and (T1). RESULTS: PASP decreased 16.6% after T&A. NIF increased more in T&A children (40.3%) than in non-T&A children (16.8%). The upper airway volume increased in T&A and non-T&A children, but greater volumetric gain (45.6%) was found in the nasopharynx of T&A patients. OAHI did not change in six T&A children (55%) and three non-T&A children (75%). The maxilla displaced downward and backward relative to the cranial base in six T&A children (55%) and two untreated children (50%). Nine of the T&A children (85%) and three untreated children (75%) presented extensive condylar growth and increased mandibular length. The qualitative 3D assessment showed similar morphological 3D changes in T&A and non-T&A patients. CONCLUSION: Pulmonary artery systolic pressure decreased, nasal inspiratory flow increased, and nasopharynx volume increased following adenotonsillectomy, but obstructive apnea/hypopnea index and maxillomandibular morphology were similar in surgical and non-surgical patients.
Assuntos
Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono , Tonsilectomia , Adenoidectomia/métodos , Criança , Pré-Escolar , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Polissonografia , Estudos Retrospectivos , Apneia Obstrutiva do Sono/cirurgia , Tonsilectomia/métodosRESUMO
The objective of this study is to determine the impact of adenotonsillectomy on the quality of life of postoperative patients. The study is observational, cross-sectional, and retrospective. The files of all postoperative adenotonsillectomy patients in Otorhinolaryngology Service, Hospital de Clínicas, San Lorenzo Paraguay. The Obstructive sleep apnea 18 questionnaire (OSA 18) was applied, asking patients about symptoms before and after surgery. An effective sample of 143 postoperative patients was obtained. The average age was 6.05 ± 2.08 years, 55.10% (81) were male and 44.89% (66) were female, 65.30% (96) were from urban areas and 34.69% (51) from the rural areas. The t test was performed for means of two paired samples, comparing the results of the Obstructive sleep apnea 18 questionnaire surveys before and after surgery which presented a significant difference (p <0.05) with a tendency to improve the quality of life after surgery. It has been shown that there is a significant difference, a considerable improvement in the quality of life of patients after adenotonsillectomy
El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar el impacto de la adenoamigdalectomía en la calidad de vida de los pacientes postoperados. Se diseñó un estudio observacional, transversal y retrospectivo. Se revisaron los expedientes de todos los pacientes postoperados de adenoamigdalectomía en el servicio de otorrinolaringología del Hospital de Clínicas de san Lorenzo, Paraguay, se aplicó el cuestionario de apnea obstructiva del sueño 18 (AOS 18), en el que se preguntaba a los pacientes sobre los síntomas antes y después de la cirugía. Se obtuvo una muestra efectiva de 143 pacientes postoperatorios. La edad media fue de 6,05 ± 2,08 años, el 55,10% (81) eran hombres y el 44,89% (66) eran mujeres, el 65,30% (96) eran de zonas urbanas y el 34,69% (51) de zonas rurales. Se realizó la prueba t para medias de dos muestras pareadas, comparando los resultados de la encuesta del cuestionario de apnea obstructiva del sueño - 18 antes y después de la cirugía que presentó una diferencia significativa (p <0,05) con tendencia a mejorar la calidad de vida después de la cirugía. El estudio muestra una mejora considerable en la calidad de vida de los pacientes tras la adenoamigdalectomía.
Assuntos
Humanos , Pré-Escolar , Criança , Qualidade de Vida , Tonsilectomia/métodos , Paraguai , Estudos Transversais , Inquéritos e QuestionáriosRESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The administration of ketamine as nebulized inhalation is relatively new and studies on nebulized ketamine are scarce. We aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy of nebulized ketamine (1 and 2mg.kg-1) administered 30min before general anesthesia in children undergoing elective tonsillectomy in comparison with intravenous ketamine (0.5mg.kg-1) and saline placebo. METHODS: One hundred children aged (7-12) years were randomly allocated in four groups (n=25) receive; Saline Placebo (Group C), Intravenous Ketamine 0.5mg.kg-1 (Group K-IV), Nebulized Ketamine 1mg.kg-1 (Group K-N1) or 2mg.kg-1 (Group K-N2). The primary endpoint was the total consumption of rescue analgesics in the first 24h postoperative. RESULTS: The mean time to first request for rescue analgesics was prolonged in K-N1 (400.9±60.5min, 95% CI 375.9-425.87) and K-N2 (455.5±44.6min, 95% CI 437.1-473.9) groups compared with Group K-IV (318.5±86.1min, 95% CI 282.9-354.1) and Group C (68.3±21.9min, 95% CI 59.5-77.1; p<0.001), with a significant difference between K-N1 and K-N2 Groups (p<0.001). The total consumption of IV paracetamol in the first 24h postoperative was reduced in Group K-IV (672.6±272.8mg, 95% CI 559.9-785.2), Group K-N1 (715.6±103.2mg, 95% CI 590.4-840.8) and Group K-N2 (696.6±133.3mg, 95% CI 558.8-834.4) compared with Control Group (1153.8±312.4mg, 95% CI 1024.8-1282.8; p<0.001). With no difference between intravenous and Nebulized Ketamine Groups (p=0.312). Patients in intravenous and Nebulized Ketamine Groups showed lower postoperative VRS scores compared with Group C (p<0.001), no differences between K-IV, K-N1 or K-N2 group and without significant adverse effects. CONCLUSION: Preemptive nebulized ketamine was effective for post-tonsillectomy pain relief. It can be considered as an effective alternative route to IV ketamine.
Assuntos
Analgésicos/administração & dosagem , Ketamina/administração & dosagem , Dor Pós-Operatória/prevenção & controle , Tonsilectomia/métodos , Acetaminofen/administração & dosagem , Administração por Inalação , Administração Intravenosa , Anestesia Geral/métodos , Criança , Método Duplo-Cego , Feminino , Humanos , Masculino , Nebulizadores e VaporizadoresRESUMO
Abstract Objectives The administration of ketamine as nebulized inhalation is relatively new and studies on nebulized ketamine are scarce. We aimed to investigate the analgesic efficacy of nebulized ketamine (1 and 2 mg.kg-1) administered 30 min before general anesthesia in children undergoing elective tonsillectomy in comparison with intravenous ketamine (0.5 mg.kg-1) and saline placebo. Methods One hundred children aged (7-12) years were randomly allocated in four groups (n = 25) receive; Saline Placebo (Group C), Intravenous Ketamine 0.5 mg.kg-1 (Group K-IV), Nebulized Ketamine 1 mg.kg-1 (Group K-N1) or 2 mg.kg-1 (Group K-N2). The primary endpoint was the total consumption of rescue analgesics in the first 24 h postoperative. Results The mean time to first request for rescue analgesics was prolonged in K-N1 (400.9 ± 60.5 min, 95% CI 375.9-425.87) and K-N2 (455.5 ± 44.6 min, 95% CI 437.1-473.9) groups compared with Group K-IV (318.5 ± 86.1 min, 95% CI 282.9-354.1) and Group C (68.3 ± 21.9 min, 95% CI 59.5-77.1; p < 0.001), with a significant difference between K-N1 and K-N2 Groups (p < 0.001). The total consumption of IV paracetamol in the first 24 h postoperative was reduced in Group K-IV (672.6 ± 272.8 mg, 95% CI 559.9-785.2), Group K-N1 (715.6 ± 103.2 mg, 95% CI 590.4-840.8) and Group K-N2 (696.6 ± 133.3 mg, 95% CI 558.8-834.4) compared with Control Group (1153.8 ± 312.4 mg, 95% CI 1024.8-1282.8; p < 0.001). With no difference between intravenous and Nebulized Ketamine Groups (p = 0.312). Patients in intravenous and Nebulized Ketamine Groups showed lower postoperative VRS scores compared with Group C (p < 0.001), no differences between K-IV, K-N1 or K-N2 group and without significant adverse effects. Conclusion Preemptive nebulized ketamine was effective for post-tonsillectomy pain relief. It can be considered as an effective alternative route to IV ketamine.
Resumo Objetivos A administração de cetamina por via inalatória através de nebulizador é relativamente nova e os estudos sobre este assunto são escassos. Nosso objetivo foi investigar a eficácia analgésica da cetamina nebulizada (1 e 2 mg.kg-1) administrada 30 minutos antes da anestesia geral em crianças submetidas à amigdalectomia eletiva, em comparação com cetamina intravenosa (0,5 mg.kg-1) e placebo (soro fisiológico). Métodos Cem crianças entre 7-12 anos foram randomicamente alocadas em quatro grupos (n = 25) e receberam: soro fisiológico para controle (Grupo C); 0,5 mg.kg-1 de cetamina intravenosa (Grupo C-IV); 1 mg.kg-1 de cetamina nebulizada (Grupo C-N1); 2 mg.kg-1 de cetamina nebulizada (Grupo C-N2). O desfecho primário foi o consumo total de analgésicos de resgate nas primeiras 24 horas de pós-operatório. Resultados O tempo médio para a primeira solicitação de analgésicos de resgate foi prolongado nos grupos C-N1 (400,9 ± 60,5 min, IC 95% 375,9-425,87) e C-N2 (455,5 ± 44,6 min, IC 95% 437,1-473,9) em comparação com o Grupo C-IV (318,5 ± 86,1 min, IC 95% 282,9-354,1) e o Grupo C (68,3 ± 21,9 min, IC 95% 59,5-77,1; p < 0,001), com uma diferença significativa entre os grupos C-N1 e C-N2 (p < 0,001). O consumo total de paracetamol IV nas primeiras 24 horas de pós-operatório foi reduzido no Grupo C-IV (672,6 ± 272,8 mg, IC 95% 559,9-785,2), Grupo C-N1 (715,6 ± 103,2 mg, IC 95% 590,4-840,8) e Grupo C-N2 (696,6 ± 133,3 mg, IC 95% 558,8-834,4) em comparação com o Grupo C (1153,8 ± 312,4 mg, IC 95% 1024,8-1282,8; p < 0,001). Não houve diferença entre os grupos de cetamina intravenosa e nebulizada (p = 0,312). Os pacientes dos grupos de cetamina intravenosa e nebulizada apresentaram escores VRS pós-operatórios menores, em comparação com o Grupo C (p < 0,001), sem diferenças entre os grupos C-IV, C-N1 ou C-N2 e sem efeitos adversos significativos. Conclusão A administração preventiva de cetamina nebulizada foi eficaz no alívio da dor pós-amigdalectomia. Cetamina nebulizada pode ser considerada como uma via alternativa eficaz à cetamina IV.
Assuntos
Humanos , Masculino , Feminino , Criança , Dor Pós-Operatória/prevenção & controle , Tonsilectomia/métodos , Analgésicos/administração & dosagem , Ketamina/administração & dosagem , Administração por Inalação , Nebulizadores e Vaporizadores , Método Duplo-Cego , Administração Intravenosa , Anestesia Geral/métodos , Acetaminofen/administração & dosagemRESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Bacterial tonsillitis is an upper respiratory tract infection that occurs primarily in children and adolescents. Staphylococcus aureus is one of the most frequent pathogens in the etiology of tonsillitis and its relevance is due to its antimicrobial resistance and persistence in the internal tissues of the tonsils. Tonsillectomy is indicated in cases of recurrent tonsillitis after several failures of antibiotic therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS: In this study we evaluated 123 surgically removed tonsils from patients who had history of recurrent tonsillitis. The tonsils were submitted to microbiological analysis for detection of S. aureus. The isolates were identified by PCR for femA gene. Antimicrobial susceptibility of the isolates was determined by disk diffusion tests. All isolates were submitted to PCR to detect mecA and Panton-Valentine leucocidin (PVL) genes. The genetic similarity among all isolates was determined by pulsed field gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: Sixty-one S. aureus isolates were obtained from 50 patients (40.7%) with mean age of 11.7 years. The isolates showed high level resistance to penicillin (83.6%), 9.8% had inducible MLSb phenotype, and 18.0% were considered multidrug resistant (MDR). mecA gene was detected in two isolates and the gene coding for PVL was identified in one isolate. The genetic similarity analysis showed high diversity among the isolates. More than one genetically different isolate was identified from the same patient, and identical isolates were obtained from different patients. CONCLUSIONS: MDR isolates colonizing tonsils even without infection, demonstrate persistence of the bacterium and possibility of antimicrobial resistance dissemination and recurrence of infection. A specific clone in patients colonized by S. aureus was not demonstrated.