Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 1, 2025

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
05:07

CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults

Published on: November 6, 2019

24.6K

The pediatric indications for tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy: Race/ethnicity, age, and gender

Chihun Jim Han1, Maxwell Bergman2, Randall J Harley3

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery Thomas Jefferson University Hospital Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA.

Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology
|April 24, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Male gender, African American race, and younger age increase the likelihood of tonsillectomy for airway obstruction. Female gender, White race, and older age are linked to tonsillar surgery for recurrent infections.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Pediatric Surgery
  • Health Disparities

Background:

  • Tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy are common pediatric surgical procedures.
  • Understanding demographic associations with surgical indications is crucial for targeted healthcare.
  • Previous research has not fully elucidated the interplay between gender, race/ethnicity, age, and tonsillectomy indications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between patient demographics (gender, race/ethnicity, age) and the primary indications for tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy in children.
  • To identify demographic factors associated with upper airway obstruction versus recurrent infections as reasons for surgery.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective analysis of 1106 pediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy between 2012 and 2019.
  • Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess associations between surgical indications and demographic variables.
  • Data were collected from a single tertiary academic institution.

Main Results:

  • The most frequent indication for surgery was upper airway obstruction (66%), followed by obstruction with infection (22%) and recurrent infections (12%).
  • Male gender, African American race, and younger age were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of tonsillectomy for upper airway obstruction.
  • Conversely, female gender, White race, and older age were linked to a greater probability of undergoing tonsillectomy for recurrent infections.

Conclusions:

  • Demographic factors play a significant role in determining the indications for tonsillectomy in pediatric populations.
  • Male gender, African American race, and young age are identified as risk factors for airway obstruction-related tonsillar surgery.
  • Female gender, White race, and older age appear to be risk factors for recurrent infection-related tonsillar surgery.
Abstract

Keywords:
adenotonsillectomyageethnicitygenderobstructive sleep apneapediatricracial disparitiessleep disordered breathingtonsillectomytonsillitis

More Related Videos

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue07:38

Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue

Published on: June 14, 2020

7.6K
Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils08:09

Efficient Isolation Protocol for B and T Lymphocytes from Human Palatine Tonsils

Published on: November 16, 2015

16.0K

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,...
3.3K
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.
149
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.
382
Acute Pharyngitis01:30

Acute Pharyngitis

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:
1.1K
Conduct Disorder01:28

Conduct Disorder

Conduct disorder is a complex mental health diagnosis characterized by a repetitive and persistent pattern of behavior that violates societal norms, the rights of others, or age-appropriate rules. The diagnostic criteria for conduct disorder require the presence of at least three problematic behaviors within the past 12 months, with at least one occurring in the past six months. These behaviors are grouped into four categories: aggression toward people and animals; destruction of property;...
96
Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles01:30

Assessment of Airway, Skin Color, and Use of Accessory Muscles

A thorough assessment of respiratory health is paramount in clinical settings to identify and manage respiratory distress and ensure adequate oxygenation. This article elaborates on the critical aspects of respiratory evaluation, including airway assessment, skin color examination, and the observation of accessory muscle use, which are integral to effectively diagnosing and managing patients with respiratory conditions.
Introduction
The initial evaluation of a patient's respiratory system...
1.1K