Analysis of the postoperative dynamics of the well-being of patients over a 30 days period after tonsillectomy

Abstract

The aim of this research was to evaluate the changes in patients’ well-being on a daily basis for the first 30 days after tonsillectomy. Tasks: 1. To analyse the most frequent complaints of patients and complications in the postoperative period of tonsillectomy. 2. To document and analyze the daily self-assessment of patients or daily assessment made by parents of patients who underwent tonsillectomy at the ENT department of Kaunas Clinic of LUHS for 30 days after surgery, noting the presence and/or intensity of symptoms in questionnaires. 3. Compare the group data obtained with each other. 4. Based on the data obtained, prepare methodological material/memo for patients or their parents about possible changes in well-being in the postoperative period of tonsillectomy. Methodology. Patients' self-assessments were documented and analyzed on a daily basis for 30 days after tonsillectomy with particular attention paid to the presence and intensity of symptoms noted on a questionnaire. Pain was evaluated using the Analog Pain Scale, while other factors such as swallowing, eating, speaking, sleep disorders, unpleasant breathing and discomfort were assessed using the Stapel scale. Results. All subjects (n=52) experienced sore throats, which increased over a period of 5-6 days, with an average pain score of 6 points. The most unsettling symptom was pain radiating from the throat to the ears with assessment as mild or moderate and the greatest anxiety occurred in the first week after surgery. Sleep quality decreased for 43 patients (83%) in the first 7 days after surgery (on average 5 points). The study found that more intense pain was associated with a higher score of sleep disorders (p<0.05, r=0.31). Of the 52 subjects, 45 patients (87%) experienced an unpleasant odor from the mouth, while 41 patients (79%) reported difficulty swallowing. Dry cough occurred in 19 cases (37% of patients) and these symptoms improved over time. Speech problems after tonsillectomy were rare and were observed in 4 patients (8%). Conclusions. The most common complaints reported by patients in the postoperative period after tonsillectomy are sore throat, ear pain, swallowing and eating difficulties, bad breath and sleep disturbances. The most severe symptoms typically occurred during the first 10 days after surgery and usually lasted for 20 to 21 days. There were no significant differences observed in terms of age or gender.