Complications after tonsillectomy in paediatric patients

Abstract

s / International Journal of Surgery 12 (2014) S13eS117 S44 1360: COMPLICATIONS AFTER TONSILLECTOMY IN PAEDIATRIC PATIENTS Sheneen Meghji, Sparsh Prasher, Nitesh Patel, Paolo Livi, Amr Salem. Whipps Cross University Hospital, London, London, UK. Introduction: What is the true complication rate of paediatric tonsillectomies? Themost common complications are: Primary haemorrhage 1-2%, secondary haemorrhage 2-5%, pain, nausea, and dehydration. Methods: Retrospective review of paediatric tonsillectomies performed between June 2013 and December 2013 at Whipps Cross Hospital. Data was collected by electronic records and telephone survey. Results: 110 paediatric tonsillectomies were carried out on 65 males and 45 females, average age being 6 years 7 months old. 90% had bipolar dissection and 10% had cold-steel tonsillectomy. 100% of patients received paracetamol, 98% had ibuprofen, 69% had difflam, 62% had antibiotics and 18% had codeine prescribed on discharged. 90/110 responded to the telephone survey. 31/90 (34%) sought further advice in the post-operative period; 17/31 came to A&E (3 were not admitted 13 were admitted for medical management and 1 returned to theatre), 11/31 visited their GP and 3/31 called for advice. The main complaint was bleeding 35%, pain 35%, infection 19%, nausea 6% and stridor 3%. Conclusions: A third of patient’s sought advice post-operatively. A new protocol for tonsillectomy has been implemented which includes standardised peri-operative techniques, post-operative prescriptions and patient information leaflet on discharge. A re-audit will be undertaken, assessing the effectiveness of these changes. 1371: LOW PRIORITY PROCEDURES IN ENT Kapil Rajwani, Mike O'Connell. Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals,