Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 31, 2025

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
05:07

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults

Published on: November 6, 2019

25.2K

Tonsillectomy Outcomes for Children With Severe Obesity

Susan Hines1,2, Kaci Pickett3, Kaitlyn Tholen4,5

  • 1Breathing Institute, Children's Hospital Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, U.S.A.

The Laryngoscope
|June 30, 2021
PubMed

Insights

Adenotonsillectomy (T&A) is effective for treating obstructive sleep apnea in severely obese children. After adjustments, children with Class 3 obesity have similar cure rates to Class 1, supporting T&A as a first-line treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Otolaryngology
  • Sleep Medicine
  • Obesity Research

Background:

  • Severe obesity is increasingly prevalent in children.
  • Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a common comorbidity in obese children.
  • The efficacy of adenotonsillectomy (T&A) for OSA in severely obese children requires further investigation using precise obesity metrics.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the success of T&A in treating pediatric severe obesity using an accurate obesity scale.
  • To compare T&A outcomes across different classes of obesity in children aged 5-10 years.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cohort study of children (5-10 years) with obesity who underwent T&A.
  • Utilized data from Children's Hospital of Colorado (CHCO) and the Childhood Adenotonsillectomy Trial (CHAT).
  • Classified obesity using body mass index (BMI) as a percentage of the 95th percentile (%BMIp95) into three classes.

Main Results:

  • 132 patients analyzed: 53 (40%) Class 1, 45 (34%) Class 2, 34 (26%) Class 3 obesity.
  • Overall OSA cure rate was 35.9%. Class 3 obesity had a lower initial cure rate (13%) compared to Class 1 (52%).
  • After covariate adjustment, no significant difference in cure rates or key respiratory parameters (OAHI, oxygen saturation) was found between obesity classes.

Conclusions:

  • T&A is an effective treatment for OSA in children across all obesity classes, including severe obesity (Class 3).
  • Adjusting for covariates eliminates the observed disparity in cure rates between Class 1 and Class 3 obesity.
  • Adenotonsillectomy should be considered a primary treatment option for children with obesity and OSA.
Abstract

Keywords:
Obesitychildobstructive sleep apneaoutcomestonsillectomy

More Related Videos

Surgical Management of Meatal Stenosis with Meatoplasty04:53

Surgical Management of Meatal Stenosis with Meatoplasty

Published on: November 30, 2010

53.4K
Endoscopic Septoplasty with Limited Two-line Resection: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Septal Deviation06:13

Endoscopic Septoplasty with Limited Two-line Resection: Minimally Invasive Surgery for Septal Deviation

Published on: June 20, 2018

17.2K

Related Concept Videos

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,...
7.1K
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.
228
Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy01:26

Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy

Sigmoidoscopy and laparoscopy are distinct medical procedures that enable physicians to internally inspect different parts of the GI tract. Although they serve different purposes, each is essential for diagnosing and, in some cases, treating various medical conditions.
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
246
Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management01:26

Esophageal Strictures-II: Clinical Features and Management

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...
215
Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care01:25

Peptic Ulcer Disease V: Surgical Management and Nursing Care

Surgical management and nursing care are crucial in treating Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD). Here is an organized and enhanced overview of the surgical interventions and the associated nursing care for PUD:
Surgical Interventions for Peptic Ulcer Disease
533
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.
805