What the blogosphere has to say about adult tonsillectomy

Abstract

AbstractObjectivesTonsillectomy has generated extensive comment on the internet, but this content has not been examined in a scientific manner. This study aimed to determine what the blogosphere has to say about adult tonsillectomy and to report whether this information can be used to improve post-surgical care.MethodsThe internet was searched to find personal blogs relating to tonsillectomy. A retrospective review of data collected on these blogs was carried out and the blogs were conceptually analysed by the authors.ResultsFifty blogs were included. Seventy per cent of patients had read blogs prior to their procedure. The average pain score where available was 7.2. Complications occurred in 10 per cent of patients. Only 1 patient (2 per cent) regretted having a tonsillectomy.ConclusionIt is important for otolaryngologists to stay in tune with the blogosphere as this unregulated and easily accessible source of information is both friend and foe but will ultimately help in pre-operative counselling and post-operative management.