Publication:

Post-tonsillectomy outcomes: a prospective analysis of morbidities in 70 patients

Background Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in otolaryngology. Despite its routine nature, postoperative morbidities remain a significant concern for both surgeons and patients. Objective was to prospectively analyze the outcomes of tonsillectomy with a specific focus on the spectrum and frequency of early postoperative morbidities following cold dissection tonsillectomy.

Methods This prospective study was conducted at the department of otolaryngology-head and neck surgery, Medical College for Women and Hospital, Dhaka, from July to December 2010. A total of 70 patients undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis were enrolled using purposive sampling. Pain was assessed using a 0-10 numeric rating scale. Data were analyzed by SPSS version 23.0.

Results Among 70 patients, females predominated (61.43%), with the highest proportion aged 21-30 years (38.57%). Most operations (50%) lasted 20-30 minutes. Senior surgeons performed 42.86% of procedures. On postoperative day 1, dysphagia was the most frequent morbidity (68.57%), followed by otalgia (12.86%) and nausea or vomiting (2.86%). Instrumental injuries occurred in 14.29% of patients. Secondary hemorrhage occurred in one patient (1.43%) on day 6. On postoperative day 7, throat pain persisted in 28.57%, dysphagia in 22.86%, and otalgia in 20%. Pain scores showed 17 patients scoring 5/10 on day 1, reducing to 30 patients scoring 1/10 by day 7.

Conclusions Dysphagia and pain are the predominant early morbidities following cold dissection tonsillectomy. Instrumental injuries remain notable, particularly with less experienced surgeons. Secondary hemorrhage is rare but requires vigilance.