Airway management for tonsillectomy: a national survey of UK practice

The emergence of variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) prompted guidelines from the Department of Health that stress the use of disposable and protective equipment. This survey explores current methods of airway management for tonsillectomy in the UK and ascertains anaesthetists' current knowledge and opinions of the guidelines and of vCJD.

Three hundred and five questionnaires were sent to all Royal College tutors across the UK to explore the current practice and adherence to the guidelines.

The tracheal tube was the most frequently used airway across all age groups: 87% for <3 yr old, 79% for 3-16 yr old, and 73% for adults. Of the respondents who intubated, 57% protected the laryngoscope blade with a disposable sheath or used a disposable blade, while others used a reusable laryngoscope blade without protection. Fourteen per cent protected the laryngoscope handle, as recommended. When a reusable classic or flexible laryngeal mask airway was used, 45% reused it after routine sterilization. Thirty-eight per cent of respondents were unaware that any recommendations existed, 55% disagreed with them, and 84% were not fully compliant with them. Compliance rates did not differ between the anaesthetists who agreed or disagreed with the recommendations. Overall full compliance was achieved by only 16% of respondents. The most common reason for non-compliance was the lack of protection of the laryngoscope handle.

The survey demonstrates widespread non-compliance with and lack of knowledge of, national guidelines.