Could digital photography be an alternative to postoperative physical examination for pediatric tonsillectomy patients?

Objective To evaluate and compare the efficacy of postoperative control with digital photographs and physical examination for children who underwent tonsillectomy? Methods In this prospective study, 86 children (46 boys (53.5%) and 40 girls (46.5%) were enrolled for postoperative clinical visit and for obtaining photographs of the tonsillar bed with a digital camera at clinic control. Results No difference in tonsillar fossa healing was observed between the two methods 2 weeks after surgery. Conclusions Digital photographs proved to be a safe method for postoperative control of pediatric patients who underwent tonsillectomy. Adding control with outpatient follow-up will be useful for minimizing postoperative complications.