Is paediatric day case tonsillectomy desirable? The parents' perspective
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 15, 2026

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
R Vowles1, E Loney, H Williams
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Northwick Park Hospital, Harrow, Middlesex.
Abstract:
Tonsillectomy is the most commonly performed otolaryngological procedure in most units. There is considerable financial pressure to perform paediatric tonsillectomy as a day case. Responding to concern that day case tonsillectomy might not be welcomed by parents or felt to be in the best interests of the patients, we carried out an audit of paediatric tonsillectomy, by means of a questionnaire for parents and nursing staff to complete while 32 consecutive patients underwent tonsillectomy as inpatients. Although eight parents (25%) felt that day surgery should be an option, none of those surveyed felt that on this occasion their child was well enough to be discharged home six hours postoperatively. Furthermore, no child in the audit fulfilled all the essential discharge criteria at six hours. In this area, at least, it appears parents do not uniformly welcome paediatric day case tonsillectomy.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Tonsillitis II: Management
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...

