Subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy may be the first choice for tonsillectomy in children

Area of Science:

• Otorhinolaryngology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Tonsillar hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis are common pediatric conditions.
• Traditional tonsillectomy involves complete tissue removal, potentially leading to significant postoperative pain.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy and long-term prognosis of subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy.
• To compare postoperative pain and quality of life outcomes between subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy and traditional tonsillectomy.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving 162 children with tonsillar hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis.
• Children were assigned to either tonsillectomy or subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy.
• Postoperative pain was assessed using FLACC and PPPM scales; quality of life was measured by the OSA-18 questionnaire. Follow-up was for 2 years.

Main Results:

• Subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy resulted in significantly less postoperative pain compared to traditional tonsillectomy.
• Quality of life significantly improved in children who underwent subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy.
• No reoperations were required in the subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy group within the 2-year follow-up period.

Conclusions:

• Subtotal intracapsular tonsillectomy is a safe and effective procedure for pediatric tonsillar hypertrophy and chronic tonsillitis.
• It offers advantages in terms of reduced pain and improved quality of life.
• This technique may be considered a preferred surgical option.