Serious tonsil infections versus tonsillectomy rates in Wales: A 15-year analysis

INTRODUCTION Sore throat and tonsillitis place a significant burden on the National Health Service. National guideline criteria for gauging the severity of sore throat and tonsillitis have reduced the number of tonsillectomies performed, which is thought to have increased the rate of tonsil-related infections. METHODS Data was extracted from the prospective Patient Episode Database of Wales and analysed to determine the annual number of tonsillectomies for recurrent tonsillitis, adjusted for population changes. Admissions to acute hospitals for tonsillitis, peritonsillar abscess and deep neck space abscesses were also examined. RESULTS Between 1999 and 2014, hospital admissions for tonsillitis rose three-fold (r=0.968), while admissions for peritonsillar abscess rose by 48% (r=0.857) and retro or parapharyngeal abscess admissions also increased (r=0.709). In contrast, the number of tonsillectomies per 100,000 population gradually decreased (r=-0.16). There was a positive correlation between the incidence of tonsillitis and admissions for peritonsillar abscess (adjusted r² 0.631; p=0.015) and retropharyngeal abscess (adjusted r² 0.442; p=0.00254). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between the incidence of tonsillitis and the number of tonsillectomies performed (adjusted r²=-0.07; p=0.0235). CONCLUSIONS The significant rise in tonsillitis in Wales raises the question as to whether we should revisit the criteria for tonsillectomy. The perceived cost saving from limiting certain procedures should not prevent healthcare policymakers from considering all other evidence. The rise in peritonsillar, retropharyngeal and parapharyngeal abscess is alarming, as they are associated with significant morbidity and mortality.