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often follow tonsillectomy in children. The tonsils have
important physiological functions in the maintenance of good
health and freedom from infection. They serve to arrest
bacterial infection from the nasal sinuses and throat and supply
an autogenous immunity to combat general infection in the body
itself. The complete removal of organs of such importance,
depriving the system of this valuable protective influence, is
a very serious matter and should not be carried out without a
definite indication for removal. " Enlargement " alone is
not an indication for operation.
A new conservative method of treatment for enlarged,
unhealthy tonsils, known as Peters' Suction Method, was
introduced in the Clinic towards the end of the year and all the
necessary equipment acquired. The number of cases treated
was too small to give a fidl account and opinion of this new
method, but those treated showed very promising results. The
technique, once mastered, is not difficult and very young
children of five or six years are quite amenable to the treatment.
A number of cases are being treated in the current year and in
another report we hope to give a full account of this method
and its results.
A special detailed classification Table of Returns of all cases
attending the Clinic during the year is appended.
We have thought it desirable to make a comprehensive,
classified Return Table which shows not only the numbers and
main defects treated and results, but also any complications
(one or more, in any one case), the nature of the treatment
given (single or combined), the main defect and any
complications, any previous operations, such as tonsillectomy,
mastoidectomy, etc., and operations performed or advised as
part of the Clinic treatment, together with detailed results in
the various groups, without any overlapping of cases.
The infants and pre-school children and school children
are classified separately.
The classification tables show: —
(a) Acute ear defects in infants and pre-school and school
children, with their treatment and results.