Longitudinal outcomes with intracapsular tonsillectomy, a single surgeon's experience

Abstract

PurposeTo assess the risk of tonsillar regrowth and post-operative complications associated with intracapsular tonsillectomy (IT) when performed by a single surgeon using a standardized technique. Materials and methodsThe current study was conducted as a retrospective chart review of all IT performed by a single surgeon between November 11, 2009 and July 22, 2020 at the Cleveland Clinic and the Cleveland Clinic Beachwood Family Health and Surgery Center . Data collection included patient demographics, surgical data, post operative results, complications, and available long-term follow-up data. ResultsThere were 221 ITs performed between November 2009 and July 2020. The post operative bleeding rate was 3.5 %. A single adult patient required re-operation for bleeding. Rate of tonsillar regrowth was 3.9 % (n = 7) and 1.1 % (n = 2) required re-operation (total tonsillectomy). No patients in the current study developed post-operative dehydration or had excessive post-operative pain requiring an emergency department visit or hospitalization. ConclusionsThe current study demonstrated similar rates of post operative bleeding after IT when compared to established rates following TT. The current study's regrowth rate was 3.9 % with a low 1.1 % rate of re-operation. This study adds to a growing body of literature supporting the use of IT due to lower complication rates when compared to TT, including post-operative bleeding, dehydration, and pain, with minimal rate of re-operation for bleeding or regrowth.