Cost analysis of face-to-face visits, virtual visits, and a digital care pathway in the treatment of tonsillitis patients.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to compare the costs of two different telemedicine-assisted tonsillitis care pathways with traditional face-to-face visits at the Department of Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (ORL-HNS) at Helsinki University Hospital. METHODS: We characterized and analyzed the patient flows and their individual episodes of all tonsillitis patients at the Department of ORL-HNS between September 2020 and August 2022. Records were collected by doctors at the clinic. We investigated costs and allocated resources in four categories: invoice from the Department of ORL-HNS to the public payer, expenses to the Department, patient fees, and doctor's resource. RESULTS: At least a third of the tonsillitis patients were eligible for telemedicine. The digital care pathway was 12.6 % less expensive for the public payer compared to the previous virtual visit model. For the Department, the expense of the digital care pathway was 58.8 % less per patient than the virtual visit model. Patient fees decreased 79.5 %. The digital care pathway reduced the doctor's resource from 30.28 min to 19.78 min, which accounts for a 34.7 % reduction. Patients finished the digital care pathway in a median of 62 min (SD = 60) compared to the 2-4 h which they would spend on an outpatient clinic visit. CONCLUSION: Our study demonstrates that tonsillitis patients are eligible for preoperative telemedicine. With at least a third of the tonsillitis patients being eligible for telemedicine, major cost savings can be achieved with efficient e-health-assisted solutions.

Admission avoidance in tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess: A prospective national audit during the initial peak of the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: To report changes in practice brought about by COVID-19 and the implementation of new guidelines for the management of tonsillitis and peritonsillar abscess (PTA), and to explore factors relating to unscheduled re-presentations for patients discharged from the emergency department (ED). DESIGN: Prospective multicentre national audit over 12 weeks from 6 April 2020. SETTING: UK secondary care ENT departments. PARTICIPANTS: Adult patients with acute tonsillitis or PTA. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Re-presentation within 10 days for patients discharged from the ED. RESULTS: 83 centres submitted 765 tonsillitis and 416 PTA cases. 54.4% (n = 410) of tonsillitis and 45.3% (187/413) of PTAs were discharged from ED. 9.6% (39/408) of tonsillitis and 10.3% (19/184) of PTA discharges re-presented within 10 days, compared to 9.7% (33/341) and 10.6% (24/224) for those admitted from ED. The subsequent admission rate of those initially discharged from ED was 4.7% for tonsillitis and 3.3% for PTAs. IV steroids and antibiotics increased the percentage of patients able to swallow from 35.8% to 72.5% for tonsillitis (n = 270/754 and 441/608) and from 22.3% to 71.0% for PTA (n = 92/413 and 265/373). 77.2% of PTAs underwent drainage (n = 319/413), with no significant difference in re-presentations in those drained vs not-drained (10.6% vs 9.5%, n = 15/142 vs 4/42, P = .846). Univariable logistic regression showed no significant predictors of re-presentation within 10 days. CONCLUSIONS: Management of tonsillitis and PTA changed during the initial peak of the pandemic, shifting towards outpatient care. Some patients who may previously have been admitted to hospital may be safely discharged from the ED.

Bacteriotherapy with Streptococcus salivarius 24SMB and Streptococcus oralis 89a oral spray for children with recurrent streptococcal pharyngotonsillitis: a randomized placebo-controlled clinical study.

PURPOSE: Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus (GABHS) causes a recurrent acute pharyngotonsillitis (RAPT) in children. Moreover, the repeated use of antibiotics contributes to its resistance. However, S. Salivarius 24SMB and S. oralis 89a were effective probiotics in other infections. Thus, we decided to evaluate this combination efficacy compared to placebo in RAPT. METHODS: Patients with microbiologically confirmed GABHS were enrolled in this randomized, placebo-controlled trial. They received the aforementioned combination or placebo as an oral spray. We investigated episodes of frequency and duration, need for antibiotics, school days lost, the treatment impact on life quality, treatment compliance and side effects during a 90-day treatment and a 6-month follow-up. RESULTS: We included 41 patients in each group. The mean number of GABHS infection was significantly lower during both study periods for the two groups. However, our treatment group showed a lower rate. Moreover, the probiotic group had a lower mean number and a shorter median duration of GABHS episodes during both study periods than controls. Furthermore, the mean duration of antibiotic treatment was lower in the probiotic group during the 90-day and 6-month follow-up periods. Similarly, patients in the probiotic group showed a significantly lower mean number of absence days from school but higher EQ-VAS score. Indeed, all patients included were compliant to treatment. CONCLUSIONS: We identified potential probiotics, possessing desirable features against GABHS pharyngotonsillitis. Our findings represent the first evidence which throws the light on using these probiotics that can reduce antibiotics use which did not have efficient results regarding recurrence.

[The choice of the treatment strategy for the patients presenting with chronic tonsillitis of streptococcal etiology and subfebrility of long duration]. / Vybor lechebnoi taktiki u bol'nykh khronicheskim tonzillitom streptokokkovoi étiologii i dlitel'nym subfebrilitetom.

The objective of the present study was to develop the optimal therapeutic strategy for the management of the patients with chronic tonsillitis (CT) of streptococcal etiology accompanied by subfebrility of long duration (LDS). The clinical characteristic of the patients presenting with this condition is presented together with the results of their treatment by different methods. It is shown that bilateral tonsillectomy is the most efficient approach to the management of the patients presenting with chronic tonsillitis of streptococcal etiology and subfebrility of long duration.

[Diaphanoscopy palatal tonsils with use of the diode laser]. / Diafanoskopiia nebnykh mindalin s primeneniem diodnogo lazera.

For the purpose of decrease in intraoperative blood loss during a tonsillectomy the technique of a laser diaphanoscopy (DS) of the palatal tonsil (PT) and paratonsil space is developed. In the conditions of a transillumination of tissues of throat vessels paratonsil space which are preventively coagulated by the holmium laser are visualized. In carrying out DS of structures of a throat the 'pilot' red laser of the surgical laser LUMENIS Versa Pulse Power Suite 20W system was used. In a research there were 60 patients with chronic tonsillitis. Laser DS was carried out before tonsillectomy, at the same time 120 PT were subjected to raying. As result of the conducted research established that 60% of PT (n=72) anatomic were deeply shipped in a sidewall of a throat, 44,2% of PT (n=53) - had the expressed top pole, 0,8% of PT (n=1) - an additional segment. Also it was established that laser transillumination of paratonsil space is possible in the conditions of infiltration of fabrics isotonic physiological NaCl solution of 0,9%. Carrying out preventive coagulation of vessels of paratonsil space of Ho:YAG laser in the conditions of DS allows to reduce the volume of intraoperative blood loss to 4,17±0,37 ml that is 10,1 time less in comparison with the tonsillectomy which is carried out on traditional techniques.

[Fungal adenoiditis and tonsillomycosis in children: features of diagnosis and therapy]. / Gribkovyi adenoidit i tonzillomikoz u detei: osobennosti diagnostiki i terapii.

The purpose of the work is to study the current state of the problem of diagnosing and treating fungal adenoiditis and tonsillomycosis in children. This article summarizes the literature data on the predisposing factors and characteristics of the occurrence of fungal infections of adenoid vegetations and tonsils in children. The works present modern approaches to the diagnosis and treatment of children with fungal adenoiditis and tonsillomycosis, depending on the selected genus and the type of fungus. Based on the conducted research, performed on the basis of "The Sverzhevskiy Otorhinolaryngology Healthcare Research Institute", we found that the incidence of fungal adenoiditis in children is 16.4%, and the incidence of tonsillomicosis in children with chronic tonsillitis is 21.5%. The most frequently detected strain in this pathology is C. albicans. In the presented study, a justification of the chosen treatment regimen was made on the basis of the data obtained during microbiological (bacteriological and mycological) studies.

Is Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network guidance for GP management of tonsillitis suitable? A qualitative study.

Background: The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) developed guidelines for the management of sore throat and indications for tonsillectomy in 1999 to address concerns of unnecessary surgery. Emergency admissions to hospital for tonsillitis have since increased. Adults experience an average of 27 episodes of tonsillitis before undergoing tonsillectomy. We wished to explore the appropriateness of the guidance and/or its implementation in primary care. Aim: To explore the attitudes of GPs to the referral criteria they use when managing adults presenting with acute tonsillitis. Design: Secondary analysis of qualitative data from the NAtional Trial of Tonsillectomy IN Adults (NATTINA) feasibility and process evaluation. Participants and Setting: Twenty-one GPs from practices throughout the UK. Method: In-depth interviews with GPs concerning both the feasibility and process evaluation phases of NATTINA. Analysis was conducted using the framework method. Results: GPs felt it was rarely necessary to refer patients. They were aware of guidelines and would refer if requested by a patient who fulfilled the guidelines criteria and/or who were missing considerable amounts of work. Conclusion: The introduction of the guidelines appears to coincide with what some may have hoped to be a desired effect of reducing adult sore throat referrals and subsequent tonsillectomies by increasing the number of episodes a patient must suffer before the referral threshold is met. GPs may find equipoise for tonsillectomy referral challenging as many patients express a strong preference for surgery. We believe this paper reinforces GP professionalism and patient-centred consultations, and challenges the role of clinical guidelines.

[The specific pathogenetic features of the development of chronic tonsillar pathology]. / Patogeneticheskie osobennosti formirovaniia khronicheskoi tonzilliarnoi patologii.

The authors discuss the mechanisms underlying the development of chronic tonsillar pathology confirmed by the methods of histological, autoradiographic, and bacteriological diagnostics. The new aspects of vital activity of microorganisms in the parenchymal tissue of the palatine tonsils are highlighted that account for the low effectiveness of the conservative therapy of chronic tonsillitis and give evidence of the necessity of the surgical treatment of this condition.

Bacteriology and antibiotic sensitivity of tonsillar diseases in Chinese children.

Although many bacteriology studies on tonsillar diseases have been completed, only a few studies investigated bacteriology of tonsillar diseases in recent years, especially in Asian children population. The aim of our study is to elucidate the bacterial flora and antibiotic sensitivity of tonsillar diseases in Chinese children. A three-center study was performed on 2994 children with or without tonsillar diseases. We compared and analyzed differences of bacterial pathogens among recurrent tonsillitis, tonsillar hypertrophy and controls. We found that on the surface of tonsil, Staphylococcus aureus, Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae were noted in the order given in the recurrent tonsillitis (RT) group. In the tonsillar hypertrophy (TH) and control group, H. influenzae, S. aureus and S. pneumoniae were noted in the order given. For the core of tonsil, H. influenzae, S. aureus and ß-hemolytic streptococcus were noted in the order given in both RT and TH group. S. aureus and H. influenzae were the most prevalent types of bacteria present in cultures containing two strains in the RT and TH group, respectively. We also observed some differences in the types of bacteria in the surface and core between the recurrent tonsillitis and tonsillar hypertrophy groups. Our study provides recent bacteria distribution and antibiotic sensitivity for tonsillar diseases in Chinese children and will be helpful in the treatment of these diseases.

'Thinking that somebody's going to delay [a tonsillectomy] for one to two years is quite horrifying really': a qualitative feasibility study for the NAtional Trial of Tonsillectomy IN Adults (NATTINA Part 2).

OBJECTIVES: Level one evidence on the value of adult tonsillectomy versus non-surgical management remains scarce. Before embarking on a costly national randomised controlled trial, it is essential to establish its feasibility. DESIGN: Feasibility study with in-depth qualitative and cognitive interviews. SETTING: ENT staff and patients were recruited from nine hospital centres across England and Scotland. PARTICIPANTS: Patients who were referred for tonsillectomy (n = 15), a convenience sample of general practitioners (n = 11) and ear, nose and throat staff (n = 22). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: To ascertain whether ear, nose and throat staff would be willing to randomise patients to the treatment arms. To assess general practitioners' willingness to refer patients to the NAtional Trial of Tonsillectomy IN Adults (NATTINA) centres. To assess patients' willingness to be randomised and the acceptability of the deferred surgery treatment arm. To ascertain whether the study could progress to the pilot trial stage. RESULTS: Ear, nose and throat staff and general practitioners were willing to randomise patients to the proposed NATTINA. Not all ENT staff were in equipoise concerning the treatment pathways. Patients were reluctant to be randomised into the deferred surgery group if they had already waited a substantial time before being referred. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest that the NATTINA may not be feasible. Proposed methods could not be realistically assessed without a pilot trial. Due to the importance of the question, as evidenced by NATTINA clinicians, and strong support from ENT staff, the pilot trial proceeded, with modifications.

[Advantages and evidence of Chinese medicine in prevention and treatment of adult acute tonsillitis].

Though evaluation and analysis on the relevant literatures at home and abroad in recent years, the total number of retrieved literature was 2 664. According to the inclusion criteria and exclusion criteria,the literatures were screened out, and the results were as follows：374 literatures. To analyse the advantages and evidence of Chinese medicine in the prevention and treatment of adult acute tonsillitis. It is found to be effective, convenient and practical for the treatment of acute tonsillitis by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) like treatment according to syndrome differentiation, Chinese patent drug, self Chinese medicine prescription and external treatment. TCM has obvious advantages in the prevention and treatment of acute tonsillitis, has the function of supplementing or substituting antibiotics, and has the function of regulating the defense function of organism.

[The specific features of the past medical history and etiology of pharyngeal abscess in the children]. / Osobennosti anamneza i étiologii abstsessov glotki u detei.

The present study was undertaken for the purpose of elucidating the specific features of the past medical history and the etiological factors responsible for the development of tonsillogenic pharyngeal abscesses in the children. We performed the retrospective analysis of the medical histories of 291 children presenting with this condition who had been admitted for the treatment to the ENT Department of the Morozovskzya City Children's Clinical Hospital during the period from January till December 2015. The study has demonstrated the following most common shortcomings of the outpatient treatment of the patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis at the stage preceding formation of paratonsillar abscess: inadequate antibacterial therapy of acute chronic tonsillitis or its exacerbation and limited indications for tonsillectomy at the level of the outpatient treatment. The leading role in the etiology of tonsillogenic pharyngeal abscesses in the children is played by beta-hemolytic Streptococcus of group A. It is concluded that the medical history suggesting past paratonsillar abscess is the absolute indication for the subsequent tonsillectomy in the children of any age.

Clinical practice guideline: tonsillitis I. Diagnostics and nonsurgical management.

More than 120,000 patients are treated annually in Germany to resolve repeated episodes of acute tonsillitis. Therapy is aiming at symptom regression, avoidance of complications, reduction in the number of disease-related absences in school or at work, increased cost-effectiveness and improved quality of life. The purpose of this part of the guideline is to provide clinicians in any setting with a clinically focused multi-disciplinary guidance through different conservative treatment options in order to reduce inappropriate variation in clinical care, improve clinical outcome and reduce harm. Surgical management in terms of intracapsular as well as extracapsular tonsillectomy (i.e. tonsillotomy) is the subject of part II of this guideline. To estimate the probability of tonsillitis caused by ß-hemolytic streptococci, a diagnostic scoring system according to Centor or McIsaac is suggested. If therapy is considered, a positive score of ≥3 should lead to pharyngeal swab or rapid test or culture in order to identify ß-hemolytic streptococci. Routinely performed blood tests for acute tonsillitis are not indicated. After acute streptococcal tonsillitis, there is no need to repeat a pharyngeal swab or any other routine blood tests, urine examinations or cardiological diagnostics such as ECG. The determination of the antistreptolysin O-titer (ASLO titer) and other antistreptococcal antibody titers do not have any value in relation to acute tonsillitis with or without pharyngitis and should not be performed. First-line therapy of ß-hemolytic streptococci consists of oral penicillin. Instead of phenoxymethylpenicillin-potassium (penicillin V potassium), also phenoxymethlpenicillin-benzathine with a clearly longer half-life can be used. Oral intake for 7 days of one of both the drugs is recommended. Alternative treatment with oral cephalosporins (e.g. cefadroxil, cefalexin) is indicated only in cases of penicillin failure, frequent recurrences, and whenever a more reliable eradication of ß-hemolytic streptococci is desirable. In cases of allergy or incompatibility of penicillin, cephalosporins or macrolides (e.g. Erythromycin-estolate) are valuable alternatives.

[COMMON TREATMENT FOR ACUTE TONSILLITIS IN THE COMMUNITY].

BACKGROUND: Streptococcal tonsillitis among adults is a common diagnosis. There is wide agreement regarding the recommended treatment, which is Phenoxymethyl Penicillin (Penicillin V) 1000 mg daily (usually 500 mg BID for 10 days). OBJECTIVES: Description of the variability of routine antibiotic treatment prescribed by family physicians in the community for the treatment of acute tonsillitis (which represents a common diagnosis in primary care), and observation of the prescribed antibiotics adherence to the guidelines. METHODS: Nine primary care physicians in urban clinics of Clalit Health Services, were included in the study. Information regarding 320 adult patients, 18 years of age or older, treated by them, was collected. Patients allergic to penicillin were not included. Comparison between the different medications was performed with relevant statistical tests. RESULTS: Data regarding 95 men (30% of patients) and 224 women (70% of patients) was collected; the age range was 24 - 86 years old (average 38 years). Streptococcus group A was sensitive to all antibiotics prescribed; 70% (n=224) were prescribed with Penicillin V and the rest were given prescriptions for other antibiotics. From those who were given Penicillin V, 54% (n=121) were prescribed the recommended dosage (500 mg BID); 34% (n=77) were prescribed double dosage (1000 mg BID), whereas the rest of the patients received prescriptions for other dosages. Difference in treatment regimens was observed among the participating physicians regarding the choice and the dosage of the antibiotics they prescribed. In the medical files, there were no explanations regarding the different antibiotics or dosages. CONCLUSIONS: Streptococcus A tonsillitis is a common diagnosis with wide consensus regarding the recommended antibiotic treatment. In spite of this consensus, there is significant prescribing variability among different physicians. This is emphasized by the fact that all the physicians who were included in the study work in urban clinics with similar characteristics. In view of the variation among primary care physicians regarding antibiotic prescription for a very common diagnosis, we see a need to investigate other treatment protocols for other common diagnoses. This is in order to ensure proper care and avoiding health complications while saving funds.

[The rationale for the conservative treatment of chronic tonsillitis in the patients of the older age groups by the «soft¼ therapy methods]. / Obosnovanie konservativnogo lecheniya khronicheskogo tonzillita u lits starshikh vozrastnykh grupp metodami «myagkoi¼ terapii.

The objective of the present study was to develop an efficient system for the treatment of chronic tonsillitis in the patients of advanced and middle age based on the application of polyvalent bacteriophages in the combination with the physical factors and herbal medicines. The study involved 65 patients (39 women and 276 men) at the age from 65 to 73 years presenting with chronic tonsillitis. The treatment included washing the tonsillar lacunae with herbal infusion consisting of a tetterwort (Choledoniummajus) extract. This procedure was followed by phonophoresiswith the use of the combined polyvalent bacteriophage preparation in the non-liquid formulation during 7-10 days. The effectiveness of such treatment was evaluated based on the results of clinical examination and the analysis of the subjective feelings reported by the patients. In addition, the rosette-forming function of lymphocytes was estimated and palatine tonsil microbiotas in different patients were compared. The effectiveness of therapy was estimated at 89.2%. The positive outcome of the proposed treatment was documented in 78.6% of the cases within 6 months after the onset of therapy. It is concluded that the treatment of chronic tonsillitis with bacteriophagal preparations and herbal infusions in combination with thetraditionallow-frequency ultrasound treatment is highly efficacious (favourable outcome in 78.6% of the patients of middle and advanced age) without the use of antibiotic medications.

[The use of the enzymes for the enhancement of the effectiveness of antimicrobial photodynamic treatment of the patients presenting with chronic tonsillitis].

The objective of the present study was to enhance the effectiveness of the treatment of the patients presenting with various forms of chronic tonsillitis (CT) by means of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy (APDT). The study included 48 patients at the age from 18 to 55 years divided into three groups; all of them suffered from various forms of CT. Group 1 was comprised of 12 patients given a course of traditional conservative therapy. Group 2 consisted of 17 patients treated by APDT while group 3 included 19 patients in whom a course of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy was preceded by the treatment of the mucous membrane of the palatine amygdalae with a lidase solution. The microbiological testing was performed on days 5, 12, and 24 after APDT and also within the next 6-9 months. The results of the microbiological and clinical studies give evidence of the possibility to improve the effectiveness of the treatment of chronic tonsillitis by means of antimicrobial photodynamic therapy with the use of the preventive treatment of palatine tonsillar mucosa with a lidase solution. Such treatment was found to facilitate degradation of theintercellular matrix of the biofilm and reduced its resistance to the photodynamic impact.

Probiotics in addition to antibiotics for the treatment of acute tonsillitis: a randomized, placebo-controlled study.

Probiotics are live microorganisms which, when administered in adequate amounts, confer a health benefit on the host. The probiotic Streptococcus salivarius has been shown to be effective in reducing the frequency of recurrent pharyngeal infections in children and adult populations. However, probiotics have not yet been evaluated in the treatment of acute pharyngotonsillitis in adults. We aimed to examine whether the addition of S. salivarius probiotics to the routine therapy of acute pharyngotonsillitis in adult patients may shorten disease duration and reduce symptom severity. This study was a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blinded study comparing treatment with probiotics to placebo in addition to antibiotics in patients who were hospitalized with severe pharyngotonsillitis. Laboratory results, pain levels, body temperature, and daily volume of fluids consumed were recorded for both groups. Sixty participants were recruited, 30 for each group. No statistically significant differences between the two groups were observed regarding any of the major clinical and laboratory parameters examined. Supplement probiotic treatment with S. salivarius in patients with acute pharyngotonsillitis treated with penicillin is ineffective in relation to the parameters examined in this study and we cannot, therefore, recommend the use of S. salivarius during active pharyngotonsillar infection treated with penicillin.

Acute tonsillitis and its complications: an overview.

Acute tonsillitis may be defined as inflammation of the tonsils, predominantly due to infection. It is part of the spectrum of pharyngitis, which ranges from localised tonsillar infection to generalised infection of the pharynx and commonly affects young healthy adults. Simple sore throats secondary to viral or bacterial pharyngitis are very common and generally do not require hospital admission or antimicrobial treatment. Supportive management in the form of analgesia and adequate hydration is often sufficient. However, there is potential for life-threatening complications to develop, highlighting the need for basic knowledge in the management of these conditions. This article aims to provide an overview of acute tonsillitis and its complications, including peritonsillar and parapharyngeal abscess formation. Specific attention will be given to the pathogenesis, diagnosis, investigation and management of each condition, in particular advising on emergency pre-shore treatment and indications for referral to an Ear, Nose and Throat Department. We will also summarise important guidelines and evidence from the literature to support these management decisions.

Tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy versus non-surgical treatment for chronic/recurrent acute tonsillitis.

BACKGROUND: Surgical removal of the tonsils, with or without adenoidectomy (adeno-/tonsillectomy), is a common ENT operation, but the indications for surgery are controversial. This is an update of a Cochrane review first published in The Cochrane Library in Issue 3, 1999 and previously updated in 2009. OBJECTIVES: To assess the effectiveness of tonsillectomy (with and without adenoidectomy) in children and adults with chronic/recurrent acute tonsillitis in reducing the number and severity of episodes of tonsillitis or sore throat. SEARCH METHODS: We searched the Cochrane Ear, Nose and Throat Disorders Group Trials Register; the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL); PubMed; EMBASE; CINAHL; Web of Science; Cambridge Scientific Abstracts; ISRCTN and additional sources for published and unpublished trials. The date of the most recent search was 30 June 2014. SELECTION CRITERIA: Randomised controlled trials comparing tonsillectomy (with or without adenoidectomy) with non-surgical treatment in adults and children with chronic/recurrent acute tonsillitis. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: We used the standard methodological procedures expected by The Cochrane Collaboration. MAIN RESULTS: This review includes seven trials with low to moderate risk of bias: five undertaken in children (987 participants) and two in adults (156 participants). An eighth trial in adults (40 participants) was at high risk of bias and did not provide any data for analysis. Good information about the effectiveness of adeno-/tonsillectomy is only available for the first year following surgery in children and for a shorter period (five to six months) in adults.We combined data from five trials in children; these trials included children who were 'severely affected' (based on the specific 'Paradise' criteria) and less severely affected. Children who had an adeno-/tonsillectomy had an average of three episodes of sore throats (of any severity) in the first postoperative year, compared to 3.6 episodes in the control group; a difference of 0.6 episodes (95% confidence interval (CI) -1 to -0.1; moderate quality evidence). One of the three episodes in the surgical group was the 'predictable' one that occurred in the immediate postoperative period.When we analysed only episodes of moderate/severe sore throat, children who had been more severely affected and had adeno-/tonsillectomy had on average 1.1 episodes of sore throat in the first postoperative year, compared with 1.2 episodes in the control group (low quality evidence). This is not a significant difference but one episode in the surgical group was that occurring immediately after surgery.Less severely affected children had more episodes of moderate/severe sore throat after surgery (1.2 episodes) than in the control group (0.4 episodes: difference 0.8, 95% CI 0.7 to 0.9), but again one episode was the predictable postoperative episode (moderate quality evidence).Data on the number of sore throat days is only available for moderately affected children and is consistent with the data on episodes. In the first year after surgery children undergoing surgery had an average of 18 days of sore throat (of which some - between five and seven on average - will be in the immediate postoperative period), compared with 23 days in the control group (difference 5.1 days, 95% CI 2.2 to 8.1; moderate quality evidence).When we pooled the data from two studies in adults (156 participants), there were 3.6 fewer episodes (95% CI 7.9 fewer to 0.70 more; low quality evidence) in the group receiving surgery within six months post-surgery. However, statistical heterogeneity was significant. The pooled mean difference for number of days with sore throat in a follow-up period of about six months was 10.6 days fewer in favour of the group receiving surgery (95% CI 5.8 fewer to 15.8 fewer; low quality evidence). However, there was also significant statistical heterogeneity in this analysis and the number of days with postoperative pain (which appeared to be on average 13 to 17 days in the two trials) was not included. Given the short duration of follow-up and the differences between studies, we considered the evidence for adults to be of low quality.Two studies in children reported that there was "no statistically significant difference" in quality of life outcomes, but the data could not be pooled. One study reported no difference in analgesics consumption. We found no evidence for prescription of antibiotics.Limited data are available from the included studies to quantify the important risks of primary and secondary haemorrhage. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Adeno-/tonsillectomy leads to a reduction in the number of episodes of sore throat and days with sore throat in children in the first year after surgery compared to (initial) non-surgical treatment. Children who were more severely affected were more likely to benefit as they had a small reduction in moderate/severe sore throat episodes. The size of the effect is very modest, but there may be a benefit to knowing the precise timing of one episode of pain lasting several days - it occurs immediately after surgery as a direct consequence of the procedure. It is clear that some children get better without any surgery, and that whilst removing the tonsils will always prevent 'tonsillitis', the impact of the procedure on 'sore throats' due to pharyngitis is much less predictable.Insufficient information is available on the effectiveness of adeno-/tonsillectomy versus non-surgical treatment in adults to draw a firm conclusion.The impact of surgery, as demonstrated in the included studies, is modest. Many participants in the non-surgical group improve spontaneously (although some people randomised to this group do in fact undergo surgery). The potential 'benefit' of surgery must be weighed against the risks of the procedure as adeno-/tonsillectomy is associated with a small but significant degree of morbidity in the form of primary and secondary haemorrhage and, even with good analgesia, is particularly uncomfortable for adults.

Controversies in the management of acute tonsillitis: an evidence-based review.

BACKGROUND: Patients admitted with acute tonsillitis generate a substantial workload for the National Health Service (NHS), placing huge financial pressures on an already overstretched budget. OBJECTIVE OF REVIEW: Due to the difficulty of accurate diagnosis and varying practices across the UK, there exist a number of controversial areas and non-standardised practice. These will be highlighted and tackled within this article. TYPE OF REVIEW AND SEARCH STRATEGY: A literature review, last performed in September 2013, searched PubMed citing variations on the areas of controversies with 'tonsillitis', 'pharyngitis' and 'pharyngotonsillitis' - from 1956 to present with language restrictions. Excluded articles included those regarding sore throat after tonsillectomy and peritonsillar abscess. EVALUATION METHOD: Titles and abstracts were initially screened, and full text of potentially relevant articles obtained. The bibliographies of articles were searched for relevant references. The references were then compiled and reviewed independently by two authors (JB & TB), overseen by the senior author (EK). RESULTS: (i) Diagnosis and investigation: Use of the Centor criteria is inadequate within the secondary care setting. Blood testing is unnecessary in the majority of cases where patients do not require admission, as they are unlikely to change management. (ii) Antibiotics: Antibiotics are likely to be indicated in all those presenting to secondary ENT care, with penicillin being the antibiotic of choice for first-line therapy. (iii) Corticosteroids: Moderate evidence supports the benefit of steroid administration in this patient cohort, advocating a single dose initially followed by reassessment. (iv) Analgesia: Paracetamol and NSAIDs have good evidence of action. Codeine should be used with caution in the paediatric population. (v) Reduced admission rates and early discharge: There is evidence suggesting that a trial of medical therapy prior to admission is beneficial in reducing rates of admission and length of stay. CONCLUSIONS: Management of acute tonsillitis within a secondary care setting largely consists of anecdotal or relatively low-quality evidence. Thus, much evidence from management comes from expert opinion or practice within a primary care setting. Management across the UK can also vary greatly. An evidence-based review of best practice has been presented here, but further evidence will be required in the future examining the significance of corticosteroids and antibiotic administration in this patient cohort specifically, ensuring practice is evidence based and clinically relevant.