Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 26, 2026

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea
07:54

Drug-Induced Sleep Endoscopy (DISE) with Target Controlled Infusion (TCI) and Bispectral Analysis in Obstructive Sleep Apnea

Published on: December 6, 2016

Quality of life after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea in children

Ron B Mitchell1, James Kelly, Ellen Call

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque 87131, USA. rmitchell@salud.unm.edu

Archives of Otolaryngology--Head & Neck Surgery
|February 18, 2004
PubMed

Insights

Adenotonsillectomy significantly improves quality of life in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). Post-surgery, caregivers reported fewer sleep disturbances, physical and emotional symptoms, and better daytime functioning.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Quality of Life Research

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) significantly impacts children's quality of life.
  • Adenotonsillectomy is a common treatment for pediatric OSA.
  • Objective assessment of quality of life changes post-surgery is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate changes in quality of life for children undergoing adenotonsillectomy for OSA.
  • To quantify improvements in specific quality of life domains using the OSA-18 survey.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 60 children diagnosed with OSA via polysomnography.
  • Caregivers completed the OSA-18 quality of life survey preoperatively and within 6 months post-adenotonsillectomy.
  • Paired t-tests were used to compare preoperative and postoperative OSA-18 scores.

Main Results:

  • Mean total OSA-18 scores decreased from 71.4 pre-surgery to 35.8 post-surgery (P<.002).
  • Significant improvements were observed across all OSA-18 domains, particularly in sleep disturbance.
  • The study included children aged 3-12 years, with 78% having a respiratory distress index of 10 or higher.

Conclusions:

  • Adenotonsillectomy leads to marked improvements in quality of life for children with OSA.
  • Caregiver-reported outcomes show significant benefits in sleep, physical and emotional symptoms, and daytime functioning.
  • These findings support adenotonsillectomy as an effective intervention for pediatric OSA.
Abstract

More Related Videos

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults05:07

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults

Published on: November 6, 2019

Related Concept Videos

Sleep Apnea01:21

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a condition where breathing stops intermittently during sleep, often leading to significant health issues. Each episode can last from 10 to 20 seconds or more and is frequently accompanied by a brief arousal from sleep. This disturbance, largely unnoticed by the individual, can lead to severe daytime fatigue. Commonly, individuals seek help after being informed by their partners about loud snoring and noticeable breathing pauses during sleep.
The condition is more prevalent among...
Tonsillitis I: Introduction01:30

Tonsillitis I: Introduction

Tonsillitis is inflammation of the tonsils, which are two lymphoid tissue masses at the back of the throat. This condition can cause discomfort and irritation in the throat.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Chronic Pharyngitis01:23

Chronic Pharyngitis

Chronic pharyngitis refers to persistent inflammation of the pharyngial mucosa.
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
Tonsillitis II: Management01:26

Tonsillitis II: Management

This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway01:25

Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway

In preparing for oropharyngeal airway suctioning, a nurse must gather all necessary equipment, including a suction unit with tubing, a prepackaged suction kit, sterile gloves, water or saline for irrigation, a water-soluble lubricant, and additional personal protective equipment (such as a gown, mask, and goggles) to control infections.
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
Endotracheal Tube Extubation01:24

Endotracheal Tube Extubation

Endotracheal tube extubation is a critical procedure in weaning patients from mechanical ventilation. It involves physically removing the oral or nasal endotracheal (ET) tube, marking the final step in liberating a patient from ventilatory support.
Procedure
Extubation removes the endotracheal tube (ETT) from the patient on mechanical ventilation. It requires a well-coordinated, multidisciplinary approach involving physicians, nurses, respiratory therapists, and other healthcare professionals.