Our Summary

This research looked at whether having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affects the outcomes for children having their tonsils removed. The researchers used data from a national database of children who had this surgery between 2003 and 2012. They found that children with ASD were less likely to have complications, had shorter hospital stays, and the procedure cost less compared to children without ASD. This suggests that doctors may need to consider different approaches when treating children with ASD.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the research on tonsillectomy and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?
  2. What were the findings of the research regarding the outcomes of tonsillectomies in children with ASD compared to those without ASD?
  3. How might the findings of this study influence the approach doctors take when treating children with ASD who need a tonsillectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including staying hydrated, eating soft foods, and avoiding strenuous activities to promote healing and minimize the risk of complications.

Suitable For

In general, patients who are typically recommended for a tonsillectomy include those who have recurrent or chronic tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), obstructive sleep apnea (breathing problems during sleep due to enlarged tonsils), difficulty swallowing due to enlarged tonsils, and frequent throat infections.

Timeline

Before tonsillectomy:

  1. Patient experiences recurrent tonsillitis or strep throat, leading to a recommendation for tonsillectomy by a healthcare provider.
  2. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessments and consultations to determine if they are a suitable candidate for surgery.
  3. Patient may need to stop taking certain medications or avoid eating or drinking before the surgery.

After tonsillectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes the surgical procedure to remove the tonsils.
  2. Patient may experience pain, discomfort, and difficulty swallowing in the immediate post-operative period.
  3. Patient is monitored in the hospital or outpatient setting for any complications or adverse reactions.
  4. Patient is given instructions for post-operative care, including pain management, diet restrictions, and follow-up appointments.
  5. Patient gradually recovers over the following weeks, with improvements in symptoms such as recurrent throat infections or difficulty breathing.
  6. Patient may need to attend follow-up appointments to ensure proper healing and monitor for any long-term complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a tonsillectomy procedure?
  2. How will having Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) affect the outcomes of the tonsillectomy procedure?
  3. Are there any special considerations or accommodations that need to be made for a child with ASD undergoing a tonsillectomy?
  4. What is the expected recovery time and post-operative care plan for a child with ASD after a tonsillectomy?
  5. How can we ensure effective communication and understanding between the medical team, the child with ASD, and their caregivers throughout the process?
  6. Are there any specific pain management strategies or medications that may be more or less effective for a child with ASD following a tonsillectomy?
  7. What follow-up care or monitoring will be necessary for a child with ASD after undergoing a tonsillectomy?
  8. Are there any research studies or additional resources available that specifically address the intersection of ASD and tonsillectomy procedures?

Reference

Authors: Printz JN, Mirkin KA, Hollenbeak CS, Carr MM. Journal: Am J Otolaryngol. 2019 Sep-Oct;40(5):667-672. doi: 10.1016/j.amjoto.2019.05.026. Epub 2019 May 30. PMID: 31174930