Effect of Preferred Language on Rate of Postoperative Tonsillectomy Revisit

Determine the influence of preferred language on post-tonsillectomy revisit.

We performed a retrospective study of pediatric patients ≤ 18 years who underwent tonsillectomy at our tertiary care center between July 2016 and July 2022. The primary outcome was an unplanned revisit to the emergency department or urgent care within 30 days of surgery. Patient revisits following tonsillectomy were subgrouped by indication into groups including bleeding and nonbleeding concerns.

Of 1143 pediatric patients who underwent tonsillectomy July 2016 and July 2022, 168 (14.7%) revisited within 30 days, 68 (5.9%) were readmitted to the hospital, and 17 (1.5%) had a reoperation. Of the revisit patients, 69 (41.0%) returned for bleeding related concerns and 99 (58.9%) for nonbleeding related concerns. Older patients (8.89 ± 5.17 vs. 7.89 ± 4.60 years, p = 0.020), non-English-speaking patients (20.2% vs. 12.5%, p = 0.016), and patients with non-English-speaking parents (8.30% vs. 3.40%, p = 0.0011) were more likely to revisit. Time to revisit did not differ by language or indication.

Older age and non-English primary language of either the parent or patient were associated with increased postoperative revisits. Targeted interventions including interpreter support or translated postoperative instructions in preferred language may improve comprehension and decrease preventable revisits following tonsillectomy surgery.