Four-Year Prospective Audit of Tonsillectomy Practice in Argyll and Clyde

Abstract

Abstract Objective: To assess the practice of tonsillectomy in Inverclyde and Renfrewshire area of Argyll and Clyde Health Board. Design: an audit Setting: Royal Alexandra Hospital, Paisley Subjects: all patients undergoing tonsillectomy were prospectively audited over a four year period. Information audited included: age, sex, length of stay, operator grade, complications, readmissions and prophylactic antibiotic use. Results: 1582 cases were audited. 64% were women. The mean age of the patients was 16.76% of patients were discharged on the first post operative day. The majority of operations were carried out by staff grades and associate specialists. The primary complication rate was very low (1.33%). 3% of patients were readmitted, mostly because of secondary haemorrhage. Prophylactic post operative antibiotics were used in 39% of cases. Conclusions: it is safe to discharge patients on the first day post tonsillectomy, even if they live some distance from the hospital. Prophylactic post operative antibiotic use does not decrease the rate of readmission. Tonsillectomy is carried out safely in Argyll and Clyde.