Is tonsillectomy performed any better by trained surgeons compared with trainees?
Reviewed by Madhup K Chaurasia

Tonsillectomy is one of the most common operations performed in otolaryngology. Training in this procedure therefore needs to begin early in the formative years, while also complying with patient safety and cost-effectiveness requirements. This randomised prospective study compares tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy performed by residents with limited training under remote supervision by qualified surgeons, with tonsillectomies performed by qualified surgeons. The trainees and qualified surgeons formed the two comparison groups. The indications for surgery were recurrent tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnoea in children under 18 years of age. The parameters assessed included length of hospital stay, time taken to return to a normal diet, analgesia consumption, haemorrhage rates, re-hospitalisation and operative duration. Demographic characteristics were similar between the groups, and there were no significant differences in any of these parameters except one. The only statistically significant difference was that qualified surgeons completed the operations in less time. Postoperative bleeding requiring return to theatre was not recorded in either group. Interestingly, although not statistically significant, children operated on by residents required less analgesia and returned to a normal diet sooner. This is a useful study demonstrating that tonsillectomy performed by residents under supervision is safe. It is also reassuring for parents of children undergoing tonsillectomy.

Does the level of surgical training influence tonsillectomy outcomes? A prospective randomised study.
Shinnawl S, Matanis W, Noy R, et al.
J LARYNGOL OTOL
2026;140:78–81.