Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 11, 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

Long-term changes in behavior after adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children

Ron B Mitchell1, James Kelly

  • 1Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM, USA. rbmitchell@vcu.edu

Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
|February 28, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Adenotonsillectomy significantly improves behavioral issues in children with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). These positive changes in behavior, including aggression and hyperactivity, are sustained long-term after the surgery.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Sleep Medicine
  • Child Psychology
  • Otolaryngology

Background:

  • Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) in children is associated with behavioral abnormalities.
  • Adenotonsillectomy is a common treatment for pediatric OSAS.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate long-term behavioral changes in children following adenotonsillectomy for OSAS.
  • To assess the durability of behavioral improvements post-surgery.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study involving 23 children with polysomnography-proven OSAS.
  • Behavior Assessment System for Children (BASC) administered pre-surgery and at 6-18 months post-surgery.
  • Paired t-tests used for statistical analysis of BASC scores.

Main Results:

  • Preoperative BASC scores indicated behavioral abnormalities in the study group.
  • Significant improvements were observed in aggression, atypicality, depression, hyperactivity, and somatization within 6-18 months post-adenotonsillectomy (P < 0.05).
  • No significant difference was found between the 6-month and 9-18 month follow-up periods, indicating sustained improvement.

Conclusions:

  • Caregiver reports highlight behavioral issues in children with OSAS.
  • Adenotonsillectomy leads to significant and long-lasting improvements in children's behavior.
  • Behavioral normalization is maintained over the long term after surgical intervention.
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 Nasopharyngeal Airway01:29

Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway

Nasopharyngeal suctioning is a procedure to remove secretions from the upper part of the respiratory tract that the patient cannot clear independently. It helps maintain airway patency and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Equipment Required