Our Summary

This study looks at the use of a specific type of surgery, lingual tonsillectomy (LT), to treat children who continue to have sleep apnea after having their tonsils and adenoids removed. The researchers looked at studies published between 2006 and 2017. They found that LT can help lower the number of times a child stops breathing during sleep (apnea) and increase the amount of oxygen in their blood. This was true even if the child had other health problems. The rate of complications from LT was similar to that of tonsil and adenoid removal. On average, more than half of the children had a significant improvement in their sleep apnea after LT. However, it’s rare for the condition to completely go away after this surgery. The researchers caution that more research is needed before LT can be routinely recommended as a treatment for persistent sleep apnea in children.

FAQs

  1. What is a lingual tonsillectomy (LT) and how can it help children with sleep apnea?
  2. How does the rate of complications from LT compare to the rate of complications from tonsil and adenoid removal?
  3. Does the condition of sleep apnea completely go away after a lingual tonsillectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by the surgeon. This may include taking prescribed pain medication, resting, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain foods that may irritate the throat. It’s also important to attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and monitor for any complications. Additionally, patients should be aware that it may take some time to fully recover from the surgery, so patience and self-care are key during the healing process.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tonsillectomy include those who have recurrent tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), sleep-disordered breathing (such as sleep apnea), chronic or recurrent tonsillar infections, and difficulty swallowing due to enlarged tonsils. Lingual tonsillectomy may be recommended for patients who continue to have sleep apnea after having their tonsils and adenoids removed.

Timeline

  • Before tonsillectomy: A patient may experience recurrent episodes of sore throat, difficulty swallowing, bad breath, and sleep disturbances due to enlarged tonsils. They may also have frequent infections, such as tonsillitis, and may have tried other treatments, such as antibiotics, without success.

  • Day of tonsillectomy: The patient will undergo the surgical procedure, which typically involves the removal of the tonsils under general anesthesia. The surgery usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, and the patient will be monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home the same day.

  • Post-operative period: The patient may experience pain, swelling, and difficulty swallowing in the days following the surgery. They may be prescribed pain medication and advised to eat soft foods and drink plenty of fluids to aid in the healing process. It is common for patients to have a sore throat and ear pain for about 1-2 weeks after the surgery.

  • Follow-up appointments: The patient will have follow-up appointments with their healthcare provider to monitor their recovery and ensure that there are no complications, such as bleeding or infection. They may also be referred to a speech therapist if they experience any changes in their voice or speech after the surgery.

  • After tonsillectomy: In the weeks and months following the surgery, the patient should experience a significant improvement in their symptoms, such as reduced frequency of sore throats and improved sleep quality. They may also notice an increase in energy levels and overall well-being. It is important for the patient to continue to follow up with their healthcare provider and maintain good oral hygiene to prevent any future issues with their throat and tonsils.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is lingual tonsillectomy (LT) and how is it different from a traditional tonsillectomy?
  2. Am I a candidate for LT, or would a traditional tonsillectomy be more suitable for me?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with LT?
  4. How long is the recovery process after LT compared to a traditional tonsillectomy?
  5. Will LT effectively treat my persistent sleep apnea, or are there other treatment options I should consider?
  6. What is the success rate of LT in improving sleep apnea symptoms in children?
  7. Are there any long-term effects or potential complications of LT that I should be aware of?
  8. How many LT procedures have you performed, and what is your experience with this specific type of surgery?
  9. Are there any specific guidelines or precautions I should follow before and after undergoing LT?
  10. What is the expected outcome or prognosis for my sleep apnea after undergoing LT?

Reference

Authors: Rivero A, Durr M. Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2017 Dec;157(6):940-947. doi: 10.1177/0194599817725708. Epub 2017 Sep 5. PMID: 28871840