Drug Induced Sleep Endoscopy

Important information:

Your child is scheduled for a drug induced sleep endoscopy (DISE). This is a procedure performed in the operating room while your child is asleep under general anesthesia. The surgeon will directly examine your child’s palate (roof of mouth), tongue, oropharynx (back of throat) and epiglottis (see diagram) to look for any obstructions (blockages) in the upper airway.

Why does my child need this procedure?

A sleep endoscopy may be indicated for the following:

• Ongoing obstructive sleep apnea (pauses in breathing while asleep) after tonsillectomy (removal of tonsils). 

• Pauses in breathing while asleep with small tonsils and adenoids.

• Work up for hypoglossal nerve implant.

• How is the procedure done?

The procedure is done under general anesthesia. This means the anesthesia team will give your child medicine to put them to sleep during the procedure. Your child will not remember the procedure or experience pain during it. 

While your child is laying on their back, the surgeon will pass a flexible telescope, which looks like a spaghetti noodle, with a camera through the mouth to examine the upper airway. Magnified lenses on both telescope and camera provide an enlarged view of the airway. 

What to expect after your child’s surgery:

• Your healthcare provider will let you know if your child can go home on the day of the procedure or if they need to stay overnight in the hospital.

• Your child can begin drinking clear liquids and start to eat as tolerated. Your healthcare provider will let you know if there are any limitations to your child’s diet after surgery.

• Your child may have a mild sore throat after the procedure. You may give acetaminophen (Tylenol®) to relieve the discomfort. Follow the dosing instructions on the label. Drinking may help soothe your child’s throat. A cool mist humidifier may be used at home.

• After returning home, please keep in mind that the effects of anesthesia may still be present. Your child may feel tired and a little clumsy for about 24 hours. For their safety, they should not drive, operate machinery, exercise or perform strenuous activities during that time.

• They can resume their normal activities the day after the procedure. 

• Call to schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss the results of your child’s procedure and next steps for their treatment plan.

Call your CHOP ENT team with questions, concerns or if your child has:

• Fever above 102°F (38.3°C)

• Difficulty breathing such as shortness of breath or chest pain

• Increased work of breathing such as chest or rib tugging, flaring nostrils

• Bleeding from nose or mouth

• Pain that is not relieved by acetaminophen

• Continued vomiting at home (2 or more times in one day) 

Division of Otolaryngology (Ear, Nose and Throat)

215-590-3440

7 days per week/24 hours

Reviewed February 2024 by Jennifer M. Spellman, MSN, CRNP, CORLN