Current trends in tonsillitis and tonsillectomy

Abstract

Introduction The aim of this study was to assess tonsillitis and tonsillectomy trends, both from a local and national perspective. Methods Retrospective analysis was carried out of tonsillitis admissions and tonsillectomy rates over a ten-year period in a university teaching hospital from 2003 to 2012. Results Since 2003 tonsillitis admissions have increased locally by 118% in adults and 179% in children despite negligible changes in tonsillectomy rates. Similar trends have been observed nationally. Conclusions The findings of this study may be considered to be the result of current National Health Service policy. A reconsideration of agreed indications for tonsillectomy could potentially reduce hospital admissions of patients with tonsillitis in the long term.