Outpatient tonsillectomy: a prospective 7 years study—complications and comparison with inpatients

Abstract

Tonsillectomy is the most common major surgical procedure performed on children in some countries. In a prospective study over 7 years we compared the incidence of complications in 313 inpatient and 113 outpatient tonsillectomy cases, in children from 3 to 15 years. The mean surgery time in outpatients was 23 min and discharge was 115–223 min after surgery. Complications occurred in 1.65% of inpatients and 1.76% of outpatients (two unexpected admissions for haemorrhage and anaesthetic complication). All complications were less in outpatients. We conclude that tonsillectomy is a safe procedure in children ASA I–II more than 3 years old. Complications are few and not dependent on age. Discharge is possible 4 h after surgery.