Our Summary

This research study aimed to find out if removing a child’s adenoids (a patch of tissue at the back of the nasal cavity) could improve Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) - a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep. The study included young children (less than 3.5 years old) who had large adenoids, small tonsils, and confirmed OSA.

71 children were studied, most of whom were male. The children were followed up for an average of 2.5 years. After the adenoids were removed, about 37% of the children had a repeat sleep study done about 10 months later. The results showed that in most of these children, their sleep apnea improved. The number of children with moderate to severe sleep apnea decreased significantly. Also, some children (about 23%) had a completely normal sleep study after the adenoids were removed.

However, about 14% of the children needed to have their tonsils removed about a year after the adenoid removal. Interestingly, younger children were more likely to need this tonsil removal.

The research concludes that removing the adenoids may help improve sleep apnea in young children with large adenoids and small tonsils. But, younger children may still need their tonsils removed. More research is needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the research study on adenoidectomy?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the improvement of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in children after adenoidectomy?
  3. Did any of the children in the study need to have their tonsils removed after the adenoidectomy and why?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to ensure proper follow-up care after the procedure, including regular check-ups to monitor for any potential complications or the need for further treatment, such as tonsil removal. It is also important to continue monitoring the child’s sleep and breathing patterns to ensure that the adenoidectomy was successful in improving their condition.

Suitable For

Overall, adenoidectomy is typically recommended for young children with large adenoids, small tonsils, and confirmed obstructive sleep apnea. This procedure may help improve sleep apnea in these children, but further research is needed to confirm these findings. It is also important to consider the age of the child, as younger children may still need to have their tonsils removed after adenoidectomy.

Timeline

  • Before adenoidectomy:
  1. Child is diagnosed with Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and has large adenoids and small tonsils.
  2. Consultation with an ENT specialist to discuss the option of adenoidectomy.
  3. Pre-operative tests and evaluations are conducted to ensure the child is a suitable candidate for surgery.
  4. Surgery is scheduled and the child undergoes adenoidectomy.
  • After adenoidectomy:
  1. Child is monitored closely post-surgery for any complications or side effects.
  2. Follow-up appointments with the ENT specialist to assess the child’s recovery and sleep apnea symptoms.
  3. Sleep study is conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the adenoidectomy in improving sleep apnea.
  4. Some children may require additional surgery to remove their tonsils if sleep apnea persists.
  5. Continued monitoring and follow-up care to ensure the child’s long-term health and well-being.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the risks and potential complications associated with adenoidectomy in young children?
  2. How will the surgery be performed and what is the recovery process like for young children?
  3. How will the doctor determine if my child is a good candidate for adenoid removal to improve OSA?
  4. Are there any alternative treatment options for OSA in young children besides adenoidectomy?
  5. How long will it take to see improvement in my child’s OSA after the adenoids are removed?
  6. Will my child need to have their tonsils removed as well, and if so, why?
  7. What follow-up care and monitoring will be needed after the adenoidectomy surgery?
  8. Are there any long-term effects or considerations to be aware of after adenoid removal in young children?
  9. How can we ensure that the benefits of adenoidectomy outweigh the potential risks for my child’s specific case?
  10. Are there any lifestyle changes or recommendations that can help manage OSA in young children in addition to adenoid removal?

Reference

Authors: Chorney SR, Zur KB. Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2021 May;164(5):1100-1107. doi: 10.1177/0194599820955172. Epub 2020 Sep 22. PMID: 32960140