Video vs in-person preoperative anesthesia visit for children having tonsil and adenoid removal
Effect of Teleconsultation Compared to Face-to-Face Evaluation on Perioperative Respiratory Events in Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy: A Randomized Non Inferiority Trial
We will test whether doing the anesthesiology visit by video works as well as an in-person visit at preventing breathing problems during and in the first 24 hours after tonsil/adenoid removal in children.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 106 (estimated) |
| Ages | N/A to 16 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Bellinzona, Canton Ticino) |
| Trial ID | NCT07175779 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This is a randomized non-inferiority trial comparing preoperative anesthesia teleconsultation with traditional face-to-face consultation in children undergoing elective tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy. Participants up to 16 years old with ASA I–III will be randomized to a remote or in-person preanesthesia visit and followed for perioperative respiratory adverse events in the operating room and during the first 24 hours after surgery. Key exclusions include potential difficult airway, poorly controlled chronic illness, significant cardiac or genetic disease, bleeding disorders, and other anesthesia contraindications. The trial is conducted at Ospedale Regionale Bellinzona e Valli and aims to provide rigorous evidence on whether teleconsultation can safely substitute in-person preoperative assessment in this pediatric population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Children up to 16 years old scheduled for elective tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy with ASA physical status I–III whose parent or guardian can provide informed consent and who do not have major airway or medical contraindications are ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Children with potential difficult airways, poorly controlled chronic illnesses (for example uncontrolled asthma), significant cardiac disease, genetic disorders, anemia or clotting problems, complex disabilities, or other contraindications to general anesthesia are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the teleconsultation option.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, teleconsultations could make preoperative anesthesia checks easier to access and reduce travel and costs while keeping children equally protected from breathing complications.
How similar studies have performed: Some adult studies and observational pediatric reports suggest telepreoperative consultations are convenient and generally safe, but high-quality randomized pediatric data specifically on perioperative respiratory events are limited.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Pediatric patients (up to 16 years of age) undergoing elective tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy * ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) physical status I to III, * Patients who have a parent or legal guardian able and willing to provide informed consent. Exclusion Criteria: * Parent or guardian unable or unwilling to provide informed consent, * Refusal to participate by parent/guardian, * Patients with contraindications to general anesthesia, * Known allergy to any drugs used in the anesthetic protocol. * Potential difficult airway, * Poorly controlled chronic illness (e.g. asthma), * Cardiac disease , * Genetic disorder, * Haemoglobinopathy, anemia or clotting problem, * Complex physical disability, * Request from the patient or carer
Where this trial is running
Bellinzona, Canton Ticino
- Ospedale Regionale Bellinzona e Valli — Bellinzona, Canton Ticino, Switzerland (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alessandro Genini, MD
- Email: alessandro.genini@eoc.ch
- Phone: +41918118147
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.