Our Summary

This study looked at whether or not having surgery early to remove the adenoids and tonsils (adenotonsillectomy) helps children aged 3 to 12.9 years who snore but do not have serious breathing problems during sleep. The researchers compared results from children who had the surgery with those who were just monitored over time (watchful waiting).

The main things they looked at were changes in behavior and attention span after 12 months. They found that the surgery did not make a significant difference in these areas. However, they did find that the surgery led to improvements in other areas. For example, children who had the surgery had fewer behavioral problems, less sleepiness, and a better quality of life.

Additionally, the surgery was associated with lower blood pressure after 12 months and less likelihood of developing more serious sleep breathing problems. However, a few children (2.7%) experienced serious side effects from the surgery.

In conclusion, the study suggests that while the surgery may not significantly improve attention or behavior, it could lead to other health benefits for children who snore but do not have serious breathing issues during sleep.

FAQs

  1. Does having adenotonsillectomy surgery early lead to improved behavior and attention span in children who snore but do not have serious breathing problems?
  2. What other benefits could adenotonsillectomy surgery have for children who snore but do not have serious breathing problems?
  3. What are the potential risks or side effects of adenotonsillectomy surgery in children?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to make sure to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions provided by the medical team. This can help ensure a successful recovery and minimize any potential risks or complications. Additionally, it is important to keep the surgical site clean and dry, avoid strenuous activities, and follow up with the doctor for any concerns or questions. Remember to communicate openly with your healthcare provider and discuss any potential risks or benefits of the surgery before making a decision.

Suitable For

Overall, patients who are typically recommended for adenoidectomy are children who snore but do not have serious breathing problems during sleep. This surgery may be recommended to improve sleep quality, reduce behavioral problems, decrease sleepiness, improve quality of life, and lower blood pressure. However, it is important to weigh the potential benefits against the risks of surgery, as there is a small chance of experiencing serious side effects.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as snoring, difficulty breathing through the nose, recurring ear infections, and sleep disturbances.
  2. Patient consults with an otolaryngologist who recommends an adenoidectomy after a physical examination and possibly imaging tests.
  3. Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are fit for surgery.
  4. Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting before the procedure.

After adenoidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the adenoidectomy procedure under general anesthesia, which typically lasts less than an hour.
  2. Patient may experience mild pain, sore throat, and nasal congestion in the days following the surgery.
  3. Patient is discharged from the hospital on the same day or the day after the surgery.
  4. Patient is advised to rest at home and avoid strenuous activities for a few days.
  5. Patient may need to follow a soft diet and take pain medication as prescribed by the doctor.
  6. Patient attends follow-up appointments to monitor recovery and ensure there are no complications.
  7. Over time, patient experiences improvements in symptoms such as reduced snoring, improved breathing, and better sleep quality.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of adenoidectomy surgery?
  2. How will adenoidectomy surgery affect my child’s quality of life and behavior?
  3. What is the success rate of adenoidectomy surgery in improving snoring and sleep breathing problems?
  4. How long is the recovery period after adenoidectomy surgery?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to adenoidectomy that we should consider?
  6. How will adenoidectomy surgery impact my child’s future health and well-being?
  7. What is the likelihood of the adenoids growing back after surgery?
  8. How can we best prepare for the surgery and support my child during the recovery process?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or considerations we should be aware of post-surgery?
  10. How frequently will follow-up appointments be needed after the surgery?

Reference

Authors: Redline S, Cook K, Chervin RD, Ishman S, Baldassari CM, Mitchell RB, Tapia IE, Amin R, Hassan F, Ibrahim S, Ross K, Elden LM, Kirkham EM, Zopf D, Shah J, Otteson T, Naqvi K, Owens J, Young L, Furth S, Connolly H, Clark CAC, Bakker JP, Garetz S, Radcliffe J, Taylor HG, Rosen CL, Wang R; Pediatric Adenotonsillectomy Trial for Snoring (PATS) Study Team. Journal: JAMA. 2023 Dec 5;330(21):2084-2095. doi: 10.1001/jama.2023.22114. PMID: 38051326