Exploring the Feasibility of Daycase Pediatric Tonsillectomy in a Tertiary Care Hospital: A Retrospective Review

Introduction Tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy, is one of the most commonly performed procedures in pediatric otolaryngology. Over the years, there has been a shift in postoperative practice from routine admissions to daycase procedures. The study aimed to evaluate the postoperative course of pediatric tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy in a local tertiary care hospital, and to compare our current practices with the internationally published data on the subject. Methods A retrospective chart review was conducted at Tawam Hospital in the UAE. We included pediatric patients aged one to 15 years who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy at our hospital. The study was conducted over a six-month period from December 1, 2023, to May 31, 2024. Results A total of 65 patients were included in the study. Thirty-nine patients (60%) were admitted postoperatively, while 26 (40%) were discharged the same day. When the UK guidelines were applied, the suggested admissions dropped to 31 (47.7%), and the daycase procedures increased to 34 (52.3%). Both of the daycase rates were lower than the 80% target recommended by the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) programme. Conclusion Pediatric adenotonsillectomy still appears to be a safe daycare procedure in a tertiary care hospital. However, achieving an 80% daycase rate might not be possible in our population due to patients' specific factors.