Tonsillectomy rates in the South African private healthcare sector : research

Background. Adeno-/tonsillectomy is a commonly performed procedure with internationally standardised and recognised indications. Despite this, there exists considerable international (190 - 850/100 000 people ≤19 years of age) and regional variation in rates. This cannot be accounted for by differences in clinical need or regional morbidity. Objectives. To describe the adeno-/tonsillectomy rate in the South African (SA) private healthcare sector and regional variations thereof. To compare local rates with international rates and assess trends in adeno-/tonsillectomy practice. Methods. Analysis of 2012 and 2013 adeno-/tonsillectomy data provided by the largest SA private healthcare funder, accounting for 30% of the medical scheme market. Rates are expressed per 100 000 people ≤19 years of age. Results. The tonsillectomy rate in the SA private healthcare sector was 1 888/100 000 people ≤19 years of age in 2012. In 2013, the rate dropped significantly (p