Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 11, 2026
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Good long-term results after tonsillectomy in ear, nose and throat practices
Therese Ovesen1, Audrius Kamarauskas, Tinna Hlidarsdottir
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. theroves@rm.dk
Introduction:
The objective was to evaluate the long-term results of outpatient tonsillectomy in Danish ear, nose and throat (ENT) practices in terms of satisfaction, quality of life (QoL) and relief of symptoms.
Material And Methods:
A telephone interview was carried out at least three years after tonsillectomy. Alternatively, a questionnaire was filled in by the patients. The answers were compared to a pre-operative questionnaire.
Results:
The response rate was 63% (386/614). No differences were found between the responders and the non-responders except that the proportion of smokers was higher in the non-responder group. QoL improved significantly and 93% were satisfied with having chosen tonsillectomy. 95% experienced complete or partial relief from their former throat-related symptoms. Eight to 11% had developed new symptoms from the throat including sleep-disordered breathing.
Conclusion:
With regard to QoL, satisfaction and relief of symptoms, the long-term results of outpatient tonsillectomy in Danish ENT practices are comparable to those obtained among hospitalized patients and they are in conformity with international standards. However, as approximately 10% develop new symptoms, it is important that physicians are aware of the indication as well as of any information received during shared decision-making with the patients/parents to adjust expectations.
Funding:
none.
Trial Registration:
none.
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