Post-tonsillectomy advice: the UK patient experience

Abstract

Objective: Tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure in the UK. This study critically examined the current advice provided by UK hospitals to patients about post-operative care.

Method: Post-tonsillectomy patient advice sheets were obtained from 110 UK National Health Service trusts and equivalent organisations. Their contents were analysed and compared with published literature to determine whether the advice being given to patients was evidence-based.

Results: Post-tonsillectomy dietary and fluid intake advice varied between hospitals; although many recommended eating and drinking a normal diet (88 per cent), some recommended eating 'hard' (26 per cent) or 'soft' (8 per cent) foods. Non-evidence based advice given included avoiding fizzy drinks (21 per cent), fruit juices (9 per cent) and using chewing gum (51 per cent). Reported post-operative risks and safety-netting also varied.

Conclusion: Much of the advice in the available printed information appeared to be anecdotal and not based on, or was contrary to, published evidence. After review of the literature, an evidence-based post-tonsillectomy patient advice sheet was generated for dissemination.

Keywords: Diet; Postoperative Care; Postoperative Complications; Postoperative Hemorrhage; Tonsillectomy.