Our Summary
This research study looks at the impact of two types of surgery on children’s health - adenotonsillectomy (removal of the tonsils and adenoids) and adenoidectomy (removal of the adenoids only). The study included children under 16 years old who had these surgeries in New South Wales, Australia, between 2008 and 2017.
The study found that the number of these surgeries increased during this period and that they were performed on younger children. Out of 156,500 children in the study, 112,361 had adenotonsillectomy and 44,139 had adenoidectomy. After surgery, 6.5% of children who had adenotonsillectomy and 2.9% of those who had adenoidectomy experienced complications, mostly bleeding. Also, 3.8% of children who had adenotonsillectomy and 12.2% of those who had adenoidectomy needed another surgery.
The study found that the risk of complications and the need for another surgery were highest for children under 2 years old. The rate of complications and the need for another surgery decreased as children got older.
The researchers concluded that while these surgeries are becoming more common and are performed at younger ages, they are not without risks. They suggest a more cautious approach to managing symptoms related to the upper respiratory system, with surgery being an option only when the potential benefits clearly outweigh the risks.
FAQs
- What were the two types of surgeries examined in this research study on children’s health?
- What were the common complications experienced by children after undergoing adenotonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
- What were the findings of the study regarding the risk of complications and the need for another surgery following adenotonsillectomy and adenoidectomy?
Doctor’s Tip
One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to carefully follow all post-operative instructions provided, including taking any prescribed medications, avoiding strenuous activities, and attending follow-up appointments. It is also important to keep the surgical site clean and to watch for any signs of infection or excessive bleeding. Additionally, maintaining good hydration and eating soft, non-irritating foods can help with the healing process. If any concerns or complications arise after surgery, it is important to contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Suitable For
Typically, patients who are recommended adenoidectomy are those who have persistent or recurrent infections of the adenoids, which are located at the back of the nasal cavity. Adenoidectomy may also be recommended for patients who have enlarged adenoids that are causing difficulty breathing, sleep apnea, or other upper respiratory issues. Children who have chronic ear infections, sinus infections, or other issues related to the adenoids may also be candidates for adenoidectomy. Ultimately, the decision to recommend adenoidectomy will depend on the individual patient’s symptoms and medical history, and should be made in consultation with a healthcare provider.
Timeline
Before adenoidectomy, a patient may experience symptoms such as frequent ear infections, difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, sleep apnea, and chronic sinus infections. The patient may undergo various tests and consultations with an ENT specialist to determine if adenoidectomy is necessary.
After adenoidectomy, the patient may experience a sore throat, mild to moderate pain, difficulty swallowing, bad breath, and nasal congestion. These symptoms typically improve within a week or two after surgery. The patient will need to follow post-operative instructions provided by their surgeon, including avoiding strenuous activities, eating soft foods, and staying hydrated.
Overall, the goal of adenoidectomy is to relieve symptoms related to enlarged or infected adenoids and improve the patient’s overall quality of life. It is important for patients to follow up with their surgeon as recommended and report any concerning symptoms or complications.
What to Ask Your Doctor
Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about adenoidectomy include:
- What are the specific reasons for recommending an adenoidectomy for my child?
- What are the potential risks and complications associated with adenoidectomy?
- Are there alternative treatment options available for my child’s condition?
- What is the success rate of adenoidectomy in improving my child’s symptoms?
- What is the recovery process like after adenoidectomy?
- How long will it take for my child to fully recover from the surgery?
- Are there any long-term effects or potential complications to be aware of after the surgery?
- What are the signs of complications that I should watch for after the surgery?
- How often will my child need follow-up visits after the surgery?
- Are there any lifestyle changes or restrictions my child should follow post-surgery?
Reference
Authors: Schneuer FJ, Bell KJ, Dalton C, Elshaug A, Nassar N. Journal: J Paediatr Child Health. 2022 Sep;58(9):1608-1615. doi: 10.1111/jpc.16052. Epub 2022 Jun 3. PMID: 35657070