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Mortality and major morbidity after tonsillectomy
Author(s) -
Goldman Julie L.,
Baugh Reginald F.,
Davies Louise,
Skinner Margaret L.,
Stachler Robert J.,
Brereton Jean,
Eisenberg Lee D.,
Roberson David W.,
Brenner Michael J.
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
the laryngoscope
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.181
H-Index - 148
eISSN - 1531-4995
pISSN - 0023-852X
DOI - 10.1002/lary.23926
Subject(s) - medicine , tonsillectomy , otorhinolaryngology , perioperative , apnea , obstructive sleep apnea , pediatrics , emergency medicine , surgery
Objective/Hypothesis To report data on death or permanent disability after tonsillectomy. Study Design Electronic mail survey. Methods A 32‐question survey was disseminated via the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery electronic newsletter. Recipients were queried regarding adverse events after tonsillectomy, capturing demographic data, risk factors, and detailed descriptions. Events were classified using a hierarchical taxonomy. Results A group of 552 respondents reported 51 instances of post‐tonsillectomy mortality, and four instances of anoxic brain injury. These events occurred in 38 children (71%), 15 adults (25%), and two patients of unstated age (4%). The events were classified as related to medication (22%), pulmonary/cardiorespiratory factors (20%), hemorrhage (16%), perioperative events (7%), progression of underlying disease (5%), or unexplained (31%). Of unexplained events, all but one occurred outside the hospital. One or more comorbidities were identified in 58% of patients, most often neurologic impairment (24%), obesity (18%), or cardiopulmonary compromise (15%). A preoperative diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea was not associated with increased risk of death or anoxic brain injury. Most events (55%) occurred within the first 2 postoperative days. Otolaryngologists who reported performing <200 tonsillectomies per year were more likely to report an event ( P < .001). Conclusions This study, the largest collection of original reports of post‐tonsillectomy mortality to date, found that events unrelated to bleeding accounted for a preponderance of deaths and anoxic brain injury. Further research is needed to establish best practices for patient admission, monitoring, and pain management. Laryngoscope , 123:2544–2553, 2013 Level of Evidence N/A.