Tonsillectomy Revisited: New guidelines represent a clinical shift for some otolaryngologists

Dr. Bauman suggests that all training programs review the guidelines in a journal club to assess their treatments compared to the guidelines, as she plans to do at her institution.

To track implementation, Dr. Pereira suggests the AAO-HNS send out a survey to members to poll how many agree or disagree with the guidelines and follow up with another survey in two years to evaluate the compliance rate.

Dr. Mitchell emphasized the need for otolaryngologists to participate in research so that future guidelines can be developed that address some gaps in knowledge, such as a multidimensional approach to surgical outcomes in children who have recurrent infections, as well as the correct use of pain medications after tonsillectomy, including appropriate dosing, class of medication and timing of administration after surgery.