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Adult obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and tonsillectomy
D J Houghton1, A E Camilleri, P Stone
1Department of Otolaryngology, University Hospital of South Manchester, NHS Trust, UK.
The Journal of Laryngology and Otology
|November 28, 1997
Summary
Adults with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome and enlarged tonsils may benefit from surgery. Tonsillectomy showed short-term improvement in the apnoea/hypoapnoea index, suggesting a potential surgical subgroup.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Sleep Medicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) affects many adults.
- Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty offers surgical treatment but lacks consistent efficacy.
- A specific patient subgroup benefiting from oropharyngeal surgery remains unidentified.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of tonsillectomy in adult OSAS patients with tonsillomegaly.
- To identify potential subgroups of OSAS patients who may benefit from oropharyngeal surgery.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of seven adult OSAS patients with tonsillomegaly.
- Tonsillectomy performed either alone or with uvulopalatopharyngoplasty.
- Comparison of pre-operative and post-operative apnoea/hypoapnoea (A/H) index and body mass index (BMI).
Main Results:
- All seven patients experienced short-term improvement in their A/H index (100-65%).
- Improvement was independent of changes in BMI.
- One patient was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma via tonsil histology.
Conclusions:
- Adult OSAS patients with tonsillomegaly may represent a distinct subgroup.
- Tonsillectomy could be an effective oropharyngeal surgical option for this subgroup.
- Further research is warranted to confirm these findings and explore oncological possibilities.