Paediatric day case tonsillectomy: a safe, feasible and an economical way to treat patients - Yorkhill experience

Introduction: Day case surgery is widely encouraged as it has many benefits. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of paediatric tonsillectomies as day case surgery procedures in a tertiary paediatric centre. Methods: The outcome of paediatric tonsillectomy performed as day case procedures was studied for four months. We recorded complication rates in comparison to the standard in-patient practice. Results: 23 paediatric patients were included in this study. The age of the patients ranged from four to 11 years, with mean age of 6.5. No patients suffered post-operative complications within the first 24 h. Two patients were re-admitted due to a post-operative complication (8.6%) and one patient for a non-operative cause (4.3%) beyond the initial 24 h. Conclusion: Paediatric Day Case Paediatric Tonsillectomy is a safe, feasible and an economical way to manage patients. It should be practised as a day case where appropriate and when criteria are met.