Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Complications of paediatric tonsillectomy post-discharge
Insights
Post-tonsillectomy care for children commonly involves pain and distress, with significant rates of otalgia and halitosis. Many parents are hesitant about day-case tonsillectomy due to these post-operative morbidities.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Otolaryngology
- Clinical Outcomes Research
Background:
- Tonsillectomy is a common pediatric surgical procedure.
- Assessing post-operative morbidity at home is crucial for patient management and parental satisfaction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the incidence and nature of morbidity in children during the first five days following tonsillectomy.
- To understand parental perspectives on day-case tonsillectomy based on their child's recovery experience.
Main Methods:
- A post-operative survey was administered to 291 children.
- Data collected included analgesic requirements, signs of distress, specific symptoms (otalgia, halitosis, nausea), and complications like secondary hemorrhage.
- Parental consultation with General Practitioners and their views on day-case surgery were also recorded.
Main Results:
- High rates of analgesic requirement (92.4%), distress (90.4%), otalgia (69.1%), and halitosis (66.7%) were observed.
- Secondary hemorrhage occurred in 8.9% of cases, with delayed return to a normal diet being a contributing factor.
- Only one-third of parents supported day-case tonsillectomy, indicating potential concerns regarding home recovery.
Conclusions:
- Post-tonsillectomy morbidity is common and impacts children's recovery at home.
- Parental concerns about post-operative symptoms may influence the acceptance of day-case tonsillectomy procedures.
- Further strategies are needed to manage home-based morbidity and improve parental confidence in day-case surgery.
Abstract:
A post-operative survey of 291 children was conducted to assess morbidity found at home in the first five days post-tonsillectomy. Analgesic requirement (92.4 per cent), signs of distress (90.4 per cent), otalgia (69.1 per cent), halitosis (66.7 per cent) were common. Physical or behavioural changes (36.8 per cent) and secondary haemorrhage (8.9 per cent) were also prominent features. Nausea was reported in 59 children (20.3 per cent) and delayed return to a normal diet which in turn predisposed to secondary haemorrhage. Return to normal diet was independent of pain. General Practitioners were consulted by 60.6 per cent and more than half were prescribed drugs. The presence of an organized clot in the tonsillar fossa (3.45 per cent) post-operatively did not delay discharge from hospital and none of these patients re-presented with secondary haemorrhage. Based on their child's experience in this study, only one third of the parents approved of day-case tonsillectomy in principle, a finding which has implications for the instigation of day-case tonsillectomy procedures.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:30Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
01:17Endotracheal Intubation II: Nursing Management
1. Nursing Care of Patients Before Intubation
Before the endotracheal intubation procedure, nurses play an essential role in ensuring the process goes smoothly. The nurses must be familiar with intubation...
01:25Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...