Our Summary

This study looked at how having a resident doctor involved in a child’s tonsil surgery might affect the outcome, particularly focusing on complications like bleeding after surgery. The researchers looked at medical records from a children’s hospital for kids 12 and under who had their tonsils removed between January 2019 and December 2020. They took note of things like the child’s age, weight, reason for surgery, and whether a resident doctor was involved.

Out of the 2051 children in the study, about one third had a resident doctor involved in the surgery. They found that about 13.4% ended up going to the ER within 15 days of surgery, mostly due to bleeding. The study found that the two main factors that predicted whether a child would need to visit the ER after surgery were the child’s age and whether a resident was involved in the surgery. Interestingly, having a resident involved actually seemed to decrease the chance of needing an ER visit.

However, only the child’s age predicted whether there would be bleeding after surgery. The older the child, the more likely they were to experience bleeding. The study concluded that having a resident involved in the surgery didn’t increase common complications like bleeding or dehydration. The researchers suggest that this surgery could be a good way to train resident doctors without increasing risks to patients.

FAQs

  1. Does having a resident doctor involved in a child’s tonsil surgery increase the risk of complications?
  2. What factors predicted whether a child would need to visit the ER after a tonsillectomy?
  3. Does the age of the child affect the likelihood of bleeding after a tonsillectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the healthcare team. This includes staying hydrated, eating soft foods, avoiding strenuous activities, and taking prescribed pain medication as directed. It’s also important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any unusual symptoms or complications, such as excessive bleeding or signs of infection. Following these guidelines can help ensure a smooth recovery and reduce the risk of complications.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tonsillectomy include those who experience recurrent tonsillitis (multiple episodes of sore throat and fever), obstructive sleep apnea (breathing problems during sleep), difficulty swallowing due to enlarged tonsils, or frequent infections that do not respond to antibiotics. Additionally, patients with complications such as abscesses or tumors in the tonsils may also be recommended for surgery.

Timeline

Before tonsillectomy:

  • Patient may experience frequent sore throats, difficulty swallowing, or sleep apnea
  • Consultation with an ENT specialist to discuss the need for surgery
  • Pre-operative assessments and tests to ensure the patient is fit for surgery
  • Instructions to fast before the surgery and avoid certain medications

After tonsillectomy:

  • Patient will be monitored in the recovery room for a few hours
  • Patient may experience throat pain, difficulty swallowing, or ear pain after surgery
  • Instructions for pain management, diet, and activity restrictions given by healthcare providers
  • Follow-up appointments to monitor healing and address any concerns
  • Gradual return to normal diet and activities as healing progresses

Overall, the recovery process following tonsillectomy can vary for each individual, but typically patients start to feel better within 1-2 weeks after surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a tonsillectomy?
  2. How experienced is the medical team that will be performing the surgery?
  3. Will a resident doctor be involved in the surgery, and if so, what role will they play?
  4. How will pain be managed post-surgery?
  5. What is the expected recovery time and what can I do to help facilitate healing?
  6. Are there any specific dietary restrictions or guidelines I should follow after the surgery?
  7. How soon after the surgery should I follow up with the doctor?
  8. Are there any signs or symptoms I should watch out for that may indicate a complication?
  9. What is the success rate of this surgery in treating my specific condition?
  10. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with a tonsillectomy?

Reference

Authors: Akella DS, Piccillo EM, Varavenkataraman G, DeGiovanni JC, Viola FC, Carr MM. Journal: Am J Otolaryngol. 2024 Jul-Aug;45(4):104313. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2024.104313. Epub 2024 Apr 16. PMID: 38657537