National ProspectiveTonsillectomy Audit

Audit Report 2005

The final report of the National Prospective Tonsillectomy Audit, published May 2005 is now available. Download Report (PDF: 533KB)

Background & Aims

In January 2001, the Department of Health (DoH)recommended that single use instruments should be used for tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies to minimise the risk of transmission of variant Creutzfeldt Jakob disease (vCJD).

During 2001, various difficulties were highlighted with some single use instruments, in particular an increase in secondary haemorrhage rates following some tonsillectomies. The quality of some of the single use instruments was questioned and reusable instruments were therefore reintroduced.

A national audit of tonsillectomies and adenoidectomies was carried out from July 2003-Sept 2004, by ENT-UK and the Royal College of Surgeons of England, with support from the DoH.

The audit investigated: the occurrence of haemorrhages and other complications after tonsillectomy; risk factors for these complications, including the type of instruments used, surgical techniques, surgical experience and patient factors; and whether these risk factors might explain variations in complications between hospitals.

Benefits of the audit

The audit will create a confidential database on tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy practice, and information which all future audits can build on; compile a detailed account of complications; provide information on the ENT departments in which surgery took place; start the move towards standardised operation notes; and ensure that all ENT surgeons are satisfying the General Medical Council requirements for performance assessments and revalidation.

The audit process

All patients undergoing a tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy were invited to take part in the audit. ENT surgeons obtained informed consent from all participating patients. The surgeon then recorded the audit information on two data sheets: an operation sheet for all patients, and a postoperative complication sheet if there were complications. The data collected was entered into a central database via a secure web-based system and hospital departments were able to access a web-based feedback table of their results.

Please note that this Audit has now been completed

The Department of Health
Richmond House
79 Whitehall
London
SW1A 2NL
Telephone: 0207 210 4850
Email: dhmail@doh.gsi.gov.uk
Website: www.doh.gov.uk

National Tonsillectomy Surveys 2000 and 2001:

• National Tonsillectomy Survey Report (pdf:34KB)
• National Tonsillectomy Survey Newsletter (pdf:11KB)

References