Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 20, 2026

05:07
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
27.1K
Indications for tonsillectomy: a 10 year retrospective review.
Hetal Harish Patel1, Chelsey E Straight1, Erik B Lehman2
1Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Hershey, PA 17033, USA.
International Journal of Pediatric Otorhinolaryngology
|December 3, 2014
Summary
Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is the primary reason for tonsillectomy, showing an increasing trend. Recurrent tonsillitis is also a common indication, particularly in girls and older children.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Pediatric Surgery
- Sleep Medicine
Background:
- Tonsillectomy is frequently performed for recurrent tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).
- Understanding trends in surgical indications is crucial for healthcare resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the recent trends in indications for tonsillectomy at a single institution.
- To determine if recurrent tonsillitis is increasing as a primary indication for tonsillectomy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective chart review of 2369 patients undergoing tonsillectomy between 2003 and 2012.
- Patients categorized by indication: OSA, recurrent tonsillitis with OSA, recurrent tonsillitis alone, or other.
- Comparison with existing literature.
Main Results:
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) was the predominant indication for tonsillectomy (67%), with a significant increasing trend (p<0.0001).
- Recurrent tonsillitis was more common in girls (21% vs. 17%) and older children (>5 years).
- 42% of patients had pre-operative sleep studies, with younger children more likely to undergo testing.
Conclusions:
- Obstructive sleep apnea remains the most common indication for tonsillectomy.
- While yearly variations exist, OSA consistently drives tonsillectomy rates.
Related Concept Videos
Chronic Pharyngitis
16.1K
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,...
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,...
16.1K
Tonsillitis II: Management
639
This lesson will focus on the different treatment options for managing tonsillitis, which typically depend on the cause and severity.
639
Tonsillitis I: Introduction
3.7K
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.
Etiology
Three primary contributing factors have been identified.
3.7K
Acute Pharyngitis
6.4K
Introduction
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:
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:
6.4K
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management
1.0K
Patients with esophageal strictures often experience a range of symptoms. Initially, they may have difficulty swallowing solid foods, which can progress to include liquids. Additional symptoms may involve chest pain or discomfort, regurgitating food and fluids, heartburn, unintentional weight loss, coughing or choking during meals, and hoarseness.
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
Healthcare providers should gather a comprehensive medical history and conduct a physical examination for diagnosis. If esophageal stricture is...
1.0K
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway
1.6K
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...
After assembling the equipment, the nurse should practice hand hygiene and don appropriate PPE according to infection control guidelines to avoid the...
1.6K

