Our Summary

This research study looked at how often breathing problems occurred after children had their tonsils removed. The researchers looked at the medical records of 2,437 children who had a tonsillectomy at Texas Children’s Hospital between November 2015 and December 2017. They wanted to see if there was a difference in breathing problems after the surgery based on the method used to remove the tonsils - either with a cold cut or a hot cut (using electricity or radio wave energy).

The study found that 20% of the children (487 kids) had some kind of breathing problem after the surgery. The children who were more likely to have breathing problems were those with sickle cell disease, heart disease, lung disease, children just under 3 years old, and those who were overweight for their age.

Interestingly, the method used to remove the tonsils didn’t make a difference to the risk of breathing problems after the surgery. The study concluded that the patient’s own health and characteristics are more important in determining if they’ll have breathing problems after tonsil surgery than the surgical method used.

FAQs

  1. What was the focus of the research study conducted between November 2015 and December 2017 at Texas Children’s Hospital?
  2. Did the method used to remove tonsils affect the occurrence of breathing problems after the surgery?
  3. Which groups of children were found to be more likely to have breathing problems after a tonsillectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

It’s important to discuss any underlying health conditions or risk factors with your doctor before undergoing a tonsillectomy. Additionally, make sure to follow all post-operative care instructions provided by your healthcare provider to reduce the risk of complications, including breathing problems.

Suitable For

In general, patients who are typically recommended tonsillectomy include those who have recurrent tonsillitis (multiple episodes of inflamed tonsils), sleep-disordered breathing (such as obstructive sleep apnea), difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils blocking the airway, and recurrent abscesses or infections in the tonsils. Children who have difficulty swallowing due to enlarged tonsils or have complications from tonsillitis may also be recommended for tonsillectomy.

Timeline

Before the tonsillectomy:

  • Patient may have frequent sore throats, difficulty swallowing, or sleep apnea
  • Patient consults with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist to discuss the need for a tonsillectomy
  • Patient undergoes pre-operative tests and evaluations to ensure they are healthy enough for surgery
  • Patient is given instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting before the procedure
  • Patient undergoes the tonsillectomy procedure, which typically takes about 30-45 minutes
  • Patient is monitored in the recovery room before being discharged home

After the tonsillectomy:

  • Patient experiences sore throat, pain, and difficulty swallowing for 1-2 weeks
  • Patient may have a low-grade fever and bad breath during the recovery period
  • Patient is advised to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and eat soft foods to aid in healing
  • Patient may experience temporary changes in taste or voice after the surgery
  • Patient follows up with their ENT specialist for post-operative care and evaluation
  • Patient gradually resumes normal activities as they recover from the surgery

Overall, the recovery process can vary from patient to patient, but most individuals experience significant improvement in their symptoms after undergoing a tonsillectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a tonsillectomy?
  2. How long is the recovery period and what can I expect in terms of pain and discomfort?
  3. Will I need any special accommodations or follow-up care after the surgery?
  4. Are there any specific dietary or activity restrictions I should follow post-surgery?
  5. How will the surgery affect my ability to breathe or swallow initially after the procedure?
  6. What is the success rate of this surgery in terms of alleviating my symptoms?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before proceeding with a tonsillectomy?
  8. Will my age or any underlying health conditions increase my risk of complications during or after the surgery?
  9. How many tonsillectomies have you performed and what is your experience with this procedure?
  10. Is there anything else I should know or consider before scheduling a tonsillectomy?

Reference

Authors: Baijal RG, Wyatt KE, Shittu T, Chen EY, Wei EZ, Tan CJ, Lee M, Mehta DK. Journal: Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2022 Feb;166(2):373-381. doi: 10.1177/01945998211015176. Epub 2021 Jun 1. PMID: 34058915