Our Summary

This research paper discusses the use of partial tonsillectomy, as opposed to the more common total tonsillectomy, in treating children with obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA). OSA is a condition where the walls of the throat relax and narrow during sleep, interrupting normal breathing. Tonsillectomy is a surgical procedure to remove the tonsils, often used as a treatment for OSA.

The research suggests that partial tonsillectomy, where only part of the tonsils is removed, is a safe and effective treatment. It also has several advantages over total tonsillectomy. Partial tonsillectomy has been associated with less bleeding after surgery, quicker recovery times, and higher satisfaction levels among parents. Additionally, its effectiveness in improving OSA symptoms in children is similar to that of total tonsillectomy.

The aim of this paper is to inform general practitioners, who often refer children for OSA treatment, about the benefits of partial tonsillectomy.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between a total tonsillectomy and a partial tonsillectomy?
  2. What are the potential benefits of a partial tonsillectomy over a total tonsillectomy for children with OSA?
  3. Is a partial tonsillectomy a safe and effective treatment for children with OSA?

Doctor’s Tip

Helpful tip: After a tonsillectomy, it is important to follow your doctor’s post-operative care instructions, including getting plenty of rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding strenuous activities. It is also important to follow a soft diet to avoid irritating the surgical site and to help with healing. If you experience any severe pain, bleeding, or difficulty breathing after the procedure, contact your doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tonsillectomy are those who have recurrent tonsillitis, obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA), or difficulty breathing or swallowing due to enlarged tonsils. In particular, children with OSA may benefit from partial tonsillectomy as it has been shown to have comparable results to total tonsillectomy in improving OSA symptoms, while also offering potential benefits such as lower risk of postoperative complications and faster recovery time. General practitioners may consider referring children with OSA for partial tonsillectomy as a safe and effective treatment option.

Timeline

Before tonsillectomy:

  1. Patient experiences symptoms such as recurrent throat infections, difficulty swallowing, or obstructive sleep apnea.
  2. Patient consults with a general practitioner who may refer them to an ENT specialist for further evaluation.
  3. ENT specialist recommends tonsillectomy as a treatment option.

After tonsillectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and procedures, such as blood tests and anesthesia consultation.
  2. Tonsillectomy surgery is performed, either total tonsillectomy or partial tonsillectomy.
  3. Patient may experience postoperative pain, sore throat, and difficulty swallowing for a few days.
  4. Patient is advised to rest and follow postoperative care instructions, such as pain management and diet restrictions.
  5. Patient gradually recovers over the following weeks, with improvements in symptoms such as reduced throat infections or improved sleep quality.
  6. Follow-up appointments with the ENT specialist may be scheduled to monitor recovery and address any concerns.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the difference between total tonsillectomy and partial tonsillectomy?

  2. Are there specific criteria that make a patient a better candidate for partial tonsillectomy over total tonsillectomy?

  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with partial tonsillectomy?

  4. How long is the recovery time expected to be for partial tonsillectomy compared to total tonsillectomy?

  5. Will partial tonsillectomy still effectively treat my child’s obstructive sleep apnoea?

  6. How often do patients who undergo partial tonsillectomy require additional surgeries in the future?

  7. What kind of follow-up care will be needed after the partial tonsillectomy procedure?

  8. Are there any long-term effects or considerations to keep in mind after having a partial tonsillectomy?

  9. How experienced is the surgeon in performing partial tonsillectomies, and what is their success rate with this procedure?

  10. Are there any alternative treatment options that should be considered before deciding on a partial tonsillectomy?

Reference

Authors: Smith S. Journal: Aust Fam Physician. 2016 Dec;45(12):894-896. PMID: 27903040