Current practice patterns in tonsillectomy and perioperative care.
OBJECTIVE
Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed otolaryngologic procedures in the United States. Many options and controversies exist regarding techniques and peri-operative management. The purpose of the study was to examine current practice patterns among otolaryngologists regarding tonsillectomy.


METHODS
A 13 question survey regarding tonsillectomy techniques and peri-operative management was mailed to 10% of randomly selected board certified otolaryngologists of the AAO-HNS in the spring of 2002. Four hundred and eighteen anonymously completed questionnaires were returned, for a response rate of 58.5%. Statistical analysis of survey data was performed by means of cross tabulation and Pearson Chi-Square Calculation.


RESULTS
Monopolar electrocautery was the most common technique used among those surveyed (53.5%). There was a significant correlation between choice of monopolar electrocautery and the cited reason for choice of technique being decreased blood loss (P < 0.001). There was no relationship between pediatric fellowship training and choice of technique. 97.7% routinely admitted sleep apnea patients for post-operative observation. There was no significant correlation between practice setting (tertiary versus community) and type of post-operative monitoring for sleep apnea patients, with patients most commonly admitted to an intermediate care setting.


CONCLUSIONS
In our survey, the most common surgical technique for tonsillectomy was monopolar electrocautery, chosen for the reason of decreased blood loss.
Krishna
Priya
P
Division of Otolaryngology, Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, Springfield, IL, USA.
LaPage
Martin J
MJ
Hughes
Larry F
LF
Lin
Sandra Y
SY
D000772:Anesthesia, Local; D019072:Antibiotic Prophylaxis; D003625:Data Collection; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D019538:Health Care Surveys; D006760:Hospitalization / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D019990:Perioperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D013256:Steroids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000379:methods*; D014481:United States
D013256:Steroids