Tonsillectomy versus tonsillotomy: a study of parental preference.

Objective: To directly sample the preference of representative parents who would be hypothetically considering tonsillotomy versus tonsillectomy for their child and assess the role of parental age, educational level, and risk aversion in making this choice.

Methods: Parents in a pediatric otolaryngology waiting room were asked to complete an anonymous survey which presented hypothetical scenarios for their child and described the specifics of tonsillectomy and tonsillotomy in terms of post-operative recovery, tonsil regrowth rates, and future strep throat risk. Other questions gathered parental demographic data and assessed risk tolerance.