Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 16, 2026

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Tonsillectomy versus watchful waiting in recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis in adults: randomised controlled trial
Olli-Pekka Alho1, Petri Koivunen, Tomi Penna
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, FIN-90014, Finland. opalho@cc.oulu.fi
Objective:
To determine the short term efficacy and safety of tonsillectomy for recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis in adults. Design Randomised controlled trial.
Setting:
Academic referral centre in Finland.
Participants:
70 adults with documented recurrent episodes of streptococcal group A pharyngitis.
Intervention:
Instant tonsillectomy (n=36) or remaining on waiting list as control (n=34).
Main Outcome Measures:
Percentage change in the risk of an episode of streptococcal pharyngitis at 90 days. Rates of all episodes of pharyngitis and days with symptoms and adverse effects.
Results:
The mean (SD) follow-up was 164 (63) days in the control group and 170 (12) days in the tonsillectomy group. At 90 days, streptococcal pharyngitis had recurred in 24% (8/34) in the control group and 3% (1/36) in the tonsillectomy group (difference 21%; 95% confidence interval 6% to 36%). The number needed to undergo tonsillectomy to prevent one recurrence was 5 (3 to 16). During the whole follow-up, the rates of other episodes of pharyngitis and days with throat pain and fever were significantly lower in the tonsillectomy group than in the control group. The most common morbidity related to tonsillectomy was postoperative throat pain (mean length 13 days, SD 4).
Conclusions:
Adults with a history of documented recurrent episodes of streptococcal pharyngitis were less likely to have further streptococcal or other throat infections or days with throat pain if they had their tonsils removed.
Trial Registration:
Clinical Trials NCT00136877.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pharyngitis
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: Management
Acute Pharyngitis
Acute pharyngitis is the inflammation of the back of the throat (pharynx), commonly resulting in a sore throat. It is a frequently encountered condition that prompts individuals to seek medical advice.
Classification
Acute pharyngitis can be categorized based on its underlying cause:
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
Streptococcal Pharyngitis
Mitral Stenosis III: Medical Management