A survey of tonsillectomy care patterns in Tanzania

Introduction: Tonsillectomy is one of the commonest surgical procedures performed worldwide and has implications for reducing morbidity for patients. There has been variability in tonsillectomy care patterns but we are unaware of any study conducted in Tanzania to survey such variable patterns. The objective of this study is to assess the current patterns of peri-operative care, techniques used and outcome of tonsillectomy by otorhinolaryngologists in Tanzania. Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study in which a structured 18-item questionnaire was used to obtain information on tonsillectomy care patterns. Data were analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences Version 20. Results: Among 26 (78.8%) of 33 otorhinolaryngologists practicing in Tanzania who responded to the questionnaire, three (11.5%) were females and 23 (88.4%) were males. Regarding intraoperatively use of steroids, eight (30.8%) otorhinolaryngologists do not use intraoperative steroids while four (15.4%) always used steroids. Twenty-four (92.3%) routinely prescribed postoperative antibiotics. Among the otorhinolaryngologists, 34.6% reported to have never performed same day tonsillectomy while 65.4% sometimes performed same day tonsillectomy. Conclusion: This study has shown a similar diversity as compared elsewhere in the world of the practice of tonsillectomy care patterns, technique used and outcome among otorhinolaryngologists.