Patient injuries from tonsil and adenoid surgery in Finland. Issue 6 (1st November 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Sjöblom, Henrik M.; Timgren, Jaakko M.; Piitulainen, Jaakko M.; Jero, Jussi
• Is Part Of: Laryngoscope investigative otolaryngology. Volume 7:Issue 6(2022)
• Page Start: 1773
• Page End: 1779
• Publication Date: 2022-11-01
• Subjects: adenoidectomy -- patient injuries -- tonsillectomy; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; Laryngoscopy -- Periodicals; Otolaryngology; Otolaryngology; Periodicals; Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1002/lio2.954
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2378-8038

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: The aims of this national register‐based study were to examine patient injury claims related to tonsil and adenoid surgery injuries and to compare the frequency of claims between tonsillectomies and tonsillotomies in Finland. Methods: We analyzed the complaints related to tonsil and adenoid surgery received by the Finnish Patient Insurance Center (PIC) between the years 2000 and 2019. One hundred seventy‐two cases were included in the analysis. The annual surgery rates between the years 2000 and 2018 were acquired from the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare. Results: During the years 2000 to 2018, a total of 292, 679 patients had tonsil and/or adenoid surgery nationwide. For tonsil or adenoid surgeries, the national average was 5.3 cases and 1.8 cases per 10, 000, respectively, resulting in patient injury claims and compensations. A total of 33.1% of the claims regarding tonsil or adenoid surgery processed by the PIC were compensated. Most of the claims were made after a tonsillectomy (87.8%), and few were made after a tonsillotomy (1.7%). Seven deaths were recorded. Conclusion: Patient injuries from tonsil and adenoid surgeries were mostly related to traditional extracapsular tonsillectomies. Most surgeries, along with most complications, involved specialists, who performed routine operations in high‐volume centers. Surgeries for acute or recurrent infections resulted in more claims. Severe complications arising from tonsil and adenoid surgeries were rare. Level of Evidence: 4. Abstract : Register‐based study was to examine patient injury claims related to tonsil and adenoid surgery between the years 2000–2019. Most complications involved specialists, who performed routine operations in high‐volume centers. Surgeries for acute or recurrent infection result in more patient injury claims.