Pain and bleeding are the main determinants of unscheduled contacts after outpatient tonsillectomy.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this prospective cohort study was to measure the medical technical quality of outpatient tonsillectomy in Danish ear, nose & throat practices by indicators, standards and prognostic factors.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

According to standardised and validated specific questionnaires, quality of surgery was measured in terms of postoperative bleeding, pain, gastrointestinal problems and infection.

RESULTS

A total of 614 patients were included. 11% were younger than four years, and 93% were observed for less than four hours. A total of 23% had unscheduled postoperative contacts. Almost 12% of the patients contacted a physician due to pain; a percentage that exceeds the chosen standard of 10%. 4% were hospitalised due to bleeding exceeding the chosen standard of 1%. Secondary haemostatic procedures were performed in 2% of the patients. The indication chronic tonsillitis, being an adult, and a postoperative observation shorter than four hours increased the risk of unscheduled contacts.

CONCLUSION

Outpatient tonsillectomy seems safe in Denmark. A minimum postoperative observation period of four hours will reduce the need for postoperative contacts. Because of the potentially life-threatening risk related to tonsillectomy, careful patient selection is mandatory and continuous monitoring of the quality of the procedure is essential.

FUNDING: Not relevant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION: Not relevant.