Our Summary

This study looked at the trends in tonsillectomy surgeries (a procedure to remove tonsils) in children in Scotland between 2000 and 2018. Over this period, around 50,208 tonsillectomies were performed, with an average of 2642 each year. The overall number of tonsillectomies performed each year didn’t change much, but the age of the children having the surgery did. More and more young children, especially those aged 0-4 years, are having tonsillectomies. This increase was mainly seen in specialist children’s hospitals. One of the main reasons for this shift is that tonsillectomies are now more often performed to treat obstructive sleep apnoea, a condition that can cause breathing difficulties during sleep. These findings suggest that specialist children’s hospitals may need to prepare for an increased workload due to more young children needing tonsillectomy surgeries.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of the study on tonsillectomy surgeries in Scotland?
  2. Between 2000 and 2018, what trends were observed in the age of children undergoing tonsillectomy surgeries?
  3. What is one of the main reasons for the increase in tonsillectomies among young children?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to follow all pre-operative instructions provided by your healthcare team. This may include fasting before the surgery, avoiding certain medications, and staying hydrated. Following these instructions can help reduce the risk of complications during and after the procedure. Additionally, it is important to discuss any concerns or questions you may have with your healthcare provider before the surgery.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tonsillectomy include those with recurrent tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils), obstructive sleep apnoea (a condition where the airway becomes partially or completely blocked during sleep), or other conditions that cause enlarged tonsils that are affecting breathing or swallowing. In this study, the increase in tonsillectomies in young children, especially those aged 0-4 years, was mainly due to the rising number of cases of obstructive sleep apnoea being treated with tonsillectomy.

Timeline

Before tonsillectomy:

  • Patient may have recurrent tonsillitis or strep throat
  • Patient may have obstructive sleep apnoea or other breathing difficulties
  • Patient may experience frequent sore throats or difficulty swallowing
  • Patient may have enlarged tonsils that are causing issues with breathing or swallowing
  • Patient may be referred to an ear, nose, and throat specialist for evaluation

After tonsillectomy:

  • Patient will have the tonsils removed during a surgical procedure
  • Patient will have a sore throat and difficulty swallowing for a few days after surgery
  • Patient will need to rest and avoid strenuous activities for about a week
  • Patient may experience some bleeding or pain after surgery, which can be managed with pain medication
  • Patient will gradually start to feel better and have fewer episodes of tonsillitis or other issues related to their tonsils

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with a tonsillectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after a tonsillectomy, and what can I expect during this time?
  3. Are there any dietary or lifestyle restrictions I should follow before or after the surgery?
  4. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the potential side effects?
  5. How successful is a tonsillectomy in treating obstructive sleep apnoea in children?
  6. Are there any alternative treatment options for obstructive sleep apnoea that should be considered before opting for a tonsillectomy?
  7. What is the long-term prognosis for children who undergo a tonsillectomy for obstructive sleep apnoea?
  8. How experienced is the healthcare team in performing tonsillectomy surgeries, especially in young children?
  9. Will there be a need for follow-up appointments after the surgery, and what should I expect during these visits?
  10. Are there any specific instructions or precautions I should take before the surgery to ensure a successful outcome?

Reference

Authors: Kubba H, Downie LS. Journal: Clin Otolaryngol. 2021 Jan;46(1):146-153. doi: 10.1111/coa.13618. Epub 2020 Sep 16. PMID: 32737926