[Tonsil surgery in Brandenburg-trends between 2013 and 2017]

The frequency of tonsil surgery in Brandenburg (BB) during the period from 2013 to 2017 is analyzed. Causes and possible consequences of the trends are discussed.

An OPS code-based survey is carried out in the 10 ENT hospitals in BB and using the data from the federal states (Federal Statistical Office). In addition, the respective heads of ENT departments are interviewed concerning the indication for tonsillectomy (TE). The average number of operations in 2013/2014 is compared to that in 2017 (BB) and 2016 (federal states).

In 9/10 participating hospitals in BB, 10,302 operations were performed, thereof 58.4% as TE, 19.0% as tonsillotomy (TT), 13.7% as abscess tonsillectomy (abscess TE), and 8.9% other. In BB in 2017 in comparison to 2013/2014, because of the decrease in TE by 45.6%, a total of 21.1% less operations were performed, while TT and abscess TE increased by 32% and 18%, respectively. The average age at surgery was 28.1, 38.1, and 5.9 years for TE, abscess TE, and TT, respectively. The entire trend for Germany until 2016 on the basis of 395,674 cases reflects a decrease in TE (30.7%) and abscess TE (14%), while TT was performed 27.5% more often, resulting in a total decrease of 21.3%. The interviewed persons follow the "justifiable operation indications" of the German guideline from 2015 and adapted their previous practice.

Our survey and results indicate that the massive decrease of TE in BB is associated with the "justifiable operation indications" of the 2015 German guidelines on inflammatory diseases of the tonsils. TE is mainly performed in adults. Therefore, research concerning conservative versus surgical treatment for recurrent tonsillitis is urgently needed for this age profile.