286 Two-Cycle Audit on Post-Tonsillectomy Analgesia

Abstract Objective To assess whether children undergoing tonsillectomy were receiving adequate analgesia postoperatively and comparison made against national standards. Implementation of new ibuprofen dosage guidance, reducing opioid prescribing, assessment this impacts re-admission rates for post pain bleeding. Method Retrospective audit tonsillectomies performed over a 5-month period in 2021 prospective the same time 2022, with prescribing guidelines (7.5mg/kg QDS compared 5mg/kg TDS previously) effect on reduced prescribing. Results There approximately 110 each cycle. For first retrospective cycle, 95% prescribed inadequate ibuprofen, mean dose 5.5mg/kg. All patients who readmitted pain/haemorrhage had at frequency. 6% cases presenting bleeding, none returned to theatre. Coblation was used about 40% (extracapsular intracapsular). second 55% have been correct 7.5mg/kg QDS, No re-admitted post-operative only low number presented post-tonsillectomy bleeds. Conclusions Changing dosing ensuring departmental consistency has resulted no admissions poorly controlled post-tonsillectomy. We feel secondary impact is bleeding rates.