Our Summary

This research examines whether removing just the adenoids (adenoidectomy) can be as effective as removing both the adenoids and tonsils (adenotonsillectomy) in children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), a condition where breathing stops and starts during sleep. The researchers studied 515 children with moderate to severe OSA who had either an adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy and checked on them after an average of 41 months to see if the OSA had returned or remained. They found that 15% of the children overall still had OSA, and this wasn’t affected by the child’s age or gender. Removing only the adenoids was just as effective as removing both adenoids and tonsils in children who were not overweight, had less severe OSA, and smaller tonsils. However, for children with more severe OSA and/or larger tonsils, removing both was more effective. The researchers conclude that in some cases, removing just the adenoids may be enough, but more research is needed to confirm this.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the research study on adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy?
  2. According to the study, is removing just the adenoids as effective as removing both the adenoids and tonsils in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children?
  3. What factors were found to affect the effectiveness of adenoidectomy alone in treating obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to discuss with your healthcare provider the best option for your child based on their specific condition, including the size of their tonsils, severity of OSA, and weight. In some cases, removing just the adenoids may be sufficient, but for more severe cases, removing both the adenoids and tonsils may be more effective in treating obstructive sleep apnea. It is important to follow up with your healthcare provider to monitor the effectiveness of the procedure and make any necessary adjustments to treatment.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended adenoidectomy include:

  1. Children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) who have smaller tonsils and less severe OSA.
  2. Children who are not overweight.
  3. Children with moderate to severe OSA who may benefit from removing just the adenoids rather than both the adenoids and tonsils.
  4. Children with more severe OSA and larger tonsils may still benefit from adenoidectomy, but may require adenotonsillectomy for optimal results.

Timeline

  • Before adenoidectomy:
  1. The patient may have been experiencing symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, such as snoring, difficulty breathing during sleep, restless sleep, and daytime fatigue.
  2. The patient would have undergone a medical evaluation, including a physical examination, sleep study, and possibly imaging tests to diagnose the condition.
  3. The decision to proceed with adenoidectomy would have been made by the patient’s healthcare provider based on the severity of the OSA and the child’s individual characteristics.
  • After adenoidectomy:
  1. The patient would have undergone a surgical procedure to remove the adenoids, typically done under general anesthesia.
  2. After the surgery, the patient may experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling in the throat, which can be managed with pain medication and rest.
  3. The patient may need to follow specific post-operative care instructions, such as avoiding strenuous activities, eating soft foods, and staying hydrated.
  4. The patient would have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and ensure that the OSA symptoms have improved.
  5. The patient may need to continue with regular follow-up appointments to monitor for any recurrence of OSA symptoms and to assess the long-term effectiveness of the adenoidectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with adenoidectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period after adenoidectomy?
  3. Will my child need to stay overnight in the hospital after the procedure?
  4. What are the alternative treatment options for my child’s obstructive sleep apnea?
  5. How will adenoidectomy affect my child’s ability to breathe and sleep?
  6. How will adenoidectomy impact my child’s long-term health and quality of life?
  7. Are there any dietary or activity restrictions my child should follow after adenoidectomy?
  8. How often will my child need follow-up appointments after the procedure?
  9. What signs or symptoms should I watch for that may indicate a complication after adenoidectomy?
  10. Is there a chance that my child’s obstructive sleep apnea may return after adenoidectomy?

Reference

Authors: Domany KA, Dana E, Tauman R, Gut G, Greenfeld M, Yakir BE, Sivan Y. Journal: J Clin Sleep Med. 2016 Sep 15;12(9):1285-91. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.6134. PMID: 27448429