Need for better analgesic treatment after tonsillectomy in ear, nose and throat practices.

INTRODUCTION

The objective of this study was to investigate patient-reported outcomes on quality (PRO) of outpatient tonsillectomy in Danish ear, nose and throat practices in terms of indicators, standards and prognostic factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Patients filled in a post-operative questionnaire three weeks after tonsillectomy. The questions were focused on the preoperative information about the procedure. Unscheduled contacts to Danish health care after the tonsillectomy and number of days absent from work/school were reported. A pain score was indicated daily during the first 14 post-operative days.

RESULTS

A total of 89% of the 614 enrolled patients returned the questionnaire. 30% were dissatisfied with the information they had been afforded about post-operative complications and risks and 23% had unscheduled contacts to Danish health care. The daily pain score and absence from work/school were significantly higher among adults (> 15 years) than among children. The pain score correlated significantly with absence from work/school, unscheduled contacts and short observation time. PRO was significantly influenced by the length of the observation time before discharge, and a higher pain score was associated with a lower satisfaction with preoperative information about complications/risks.

CONCLUSION

Most patients/parents are satisfied with outpatient tonsillectomy. However, the post-operative pain control needs revision, the preoperative information should be intensified and the observation of the patients before discharge should be extended.

FUNDING

not relevant.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

not relevant.