The Global OHNS Initiative invites participation in 'OtoSurg 1', an international, multi-site prospective cohort study examining global paediatric tonsillectomy indications, techniques and outcomes.
OtoSurg 1 aims to quantify global variation in 30-day major postoperative complications and mortality after paediatric tonsillectomy across World Health Organisation (WHO) regions. It also aims to characterise global variation in paediatric tonsillectomy indications and operative techniques across these regions. 
OtoSurg 1 will highlight opportunities for intervention to standardise and improve outcomes for the world’s most common paediatric surgery, with a focus on LMICs. Beyond its primary objectives, this project will also seek to recruit and train a collaborative research network of OHNS surgeons from around the world, who will be poised to carry out future global research projects, and to build the digital infrastructure necessary to support this work sustainably.
Site recruitment for OtoSurg 1 began in October 2025. Since then, we’ve received a fantastic response from the global community, with more than 270 sites from 70 countries currently enrolled. Of these sites, more than 80 have obtained IRB approval, and more than 190 have IRB approval pending. Study resources are available in 11 languages, reflecting the breadth and depth of engagement from our growing community. The full text of the OtoSurg 1 study protocol was published open access in PLOS One on June 1, 2026, a significant achievement for all members of the OtoSurg team.
Our site recruitment campaign is ongoing! To join OtoSurg, please complete our Site Interest Form and contact us by email or WhatsApp. Interested sites should register as soon as possible to be included in the study. You can learn more about OtoSurg on our website and YouTube channel. We hope to see you on the team!
https://www.globalohns.org/research-team-resources/otosurg
