Journal of paediatrics and child health
-
J Paediatr Child Health · Nov 2004
Increased rates of ENT surgery among young children: have clinical guidelines made a difference?
To examine the association between introduction of paediatric ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgery guidelines and population procedure rates. To determine changes in children's risk of undergoing ENT surgery. ⋯ The risk of young Australian children undergoing ENT surgery increased significantly over the last two decades despite the introduction of guidelines and no evidence of an increase in otitis media, one condition prompting surgery. Surgery increased most among the very young. We hypothesize this is related to increasing use of childcare.