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

Effect of prophylactic amoxicillin on tonsillar bacterial pathogens after (adeno)tonsillectomy in children

Denis R Katundu1, Desderius Chussi2, Christa E van der Gaast-de Jongh3

  • 1Department of Otolaryngology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Centre, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; Department of Otolaryngology, Kilimanjaro Christian Medical University College, Kilimanjaro, Tanzania; Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.

International Journal of Infectious Diseases : IJID : Official Publication of the International Society for Infectious Diseases
|April 28, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Post-tonsillectomy (AT) amoxicillin did not reduce the number of oropharyngeal microorganisms in children. This study found no clinical benefit of prophylactic antibiotics after AT, highlighting the need to reconsider their use in limited resource settings.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pediatric Surgery

Background:

  • Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern.
  • Prophylactic antibiotics are often used post-(adeno)tonsillectomy (AT) in resource-limited settings, despite questionable efficacy.
  • This study addresses the use of amoxicillin after AT in children.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the effect of prophylactic amoxicillin on post-(adeno)tonsillectomy (AT) morbidity in children.
  • To determine if amoxicillin influences the number of oropharyngeal microorganisms after AT.
  • To provide evidence-based guidance on antibiotic use in pediatric AT.

Main Methods:

  • Secondary analysis of a double-blinded, randomized controlled trial.
  • Children aged 2-14 years with chronic tonsillitis or sleep apnea received placebo or amoxicillin for 5 days post-AT.
  • Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) analyzed pre- and post-operative samples for key tonsillitis pathogens.

Main Results:

  • PCR analysis included 109 patients in the amoxicillin group and 115 in the placebo group.
  • A high percentage of patients in both groups had positive PCR tests before and after surgery (91% vs 92% pre-op, 87% vs 90% post-op).
  • Both amoxicillin and placebo groups showed a decrease in the total number of detected pathogens after surgery.

Conclusions:

  • Prophylactic amoxicillin administered after (adeno)tonsillectomy (AT) in children did not significantly alter the oropharyngeal microbial load compared to placebo.
  • The findings suggest that routine prophylactic amoxicillin is not clinically beneficial in this context.
  • This research questions the current practice of antibiotic prophylaxis in pediatric AT, especially in resource-limited environments.
Abstract

Keywords:
AdenotonsillectomyAmoxicillinChildrenProphylacticTonsil

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

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
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 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
Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway01:29

Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway

Nasopharyngeal suctioning is a procedure to remove secretions from the upper part of the respiratory tract that the patient cannot clear independently. It helps maintain airway patency and prevents complications such as aspiration pneumonia.
Equipment Required
568
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
Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway01:25

Suctioning the Oropharyngeal Airway

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...
276