Time to Functional Recovery After Laser Tonsillotomy Performed Under Local Anesthesia vs Conventional Tonsillectomy With General Anesthesia Among Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Importance: Carbon dioxide laser tonsillotomy performed under local anesthesia may be an effective and less invasive alternative than dissection tonsillectomy for treatment of tonsil-related afflictions. Objective: To compare functional recovery and symptom relief among adults undergoing tonsillectomy or tonsillotomy. Design, Setting, and Participants: This randomized clinical trial was conducted at 5 secondary and tertiary hospitals in the Netherlands from January 2018 to December 2019. Participants were 199 adult patients with an indication for surgical tonsil removal randomly assigned to either the tonsillectomy or tonsillotomy group. Interventions: For tonsillotomy, the crypts of the palatine tonsil were evaporated using a carbon dioxide laser under local anesthesia, whereas tonsillectomy consisted of total tonsil removal performed under general anesthesia. Main Outcomes and Measures: The primary outcome was time to functional recovery measured within 2 weeks after surgery assessed for a modified intention-to-treat population. Secondary outcomes were time to return to work after surgery, resolution of primary symptoms, severity of remaining symptoms, surgical complications, postoperative pain and analgesics use, and overall patient satisfaction assessed for the intention-to-treat population. Results: Of 199 patients (139 [70%] female; mean [SD] age, 29 [9] years), 98 were randomly assigned to tonsillotomy and 101 were randomly assigned to tonsillectomy. Recovery within 2 weeks after surgery was significantly shorter after tonsillotomy than after tonsillectomy (hazard ratio for recovery after tonsillectomy vs tonsillotomy, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.5). Two weeks after surgery, 72 (77%) patients in the tonsillotomy group were fully recovered compared with 26 (57%) patients in the tonsillectomy group. Time until return to work within 2 weeks was also shorter after tonsillotomy (median [IQR], 4.5 [3.0-7.0] days vs 12.0 [9.0-14.0] days; hazard ratio for return after tonsillectomy vs tonsillotomy, 0.3; 95% CI, 0.2-0.4.). Postoperative hemorrhage occurred in 2 patients (2%) in the tonsillotomy group and 8 patients (12%) in the tonsillectomy group. At 6 months after surgery, fewer patients in the tonsillectomy group (25; 35%) than in the tonsillotomy group (54; 57%) experienced persistent symptoms (difference of 22%; 95% CI, 7%-37%). Most patients with persistent symptoms in both the tonsillotomy (32 of 54; 59%) and tonsillectomy (16 of 25; 64%) groups reported mild symptoms 6 months after surgery. Conclusions and Relevance: This randomized clinical trial found that compared with tonsillectomy performed under general anesthesia, laser tonsillotomy performed under local anesthesia had a significantly shorter and less painful recovery period. A higher percentage of patients had persistent symptoms after tonsillotomy, although the intensity of these symptoms was lower than before surgery. These results suggest that laser tonsillotomy performed under local anesthesia may be a feasible alternative to conventional tonsillectomy in this population. Trial Registration: Netherlands Trial Register Identifier: NL6866 (NTR7044).

Upper-Airway Stimulation Before, After, or Without Uvulopalatopharyngoplasty: A Two-Year Perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Upper airway stimulation (UAS) is an effective second-line treatment for obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). In certain patients, there is a considerable need for advanced programming, notably with inadequate palatal response to therapy. The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and tonsillectomy (UPPP-TE) on UAS therapy outcomes from a 2-year perspective after implantation. METHODS: This study included all consecutive patients implanted with UAS in which a full set of 1- and 2-year follow-up assessments (M12 and M24) were obtained. Cases were analyzed in three groups: patients with UPPP-TE after (group 1) and before (group 2) UAS, and those without UPPP-TE (group 3). RESULTS: Therapy success could be achieved in about 80% of the entire cohort. Groups 2 and 3 did not differ significantly with regard to obesity, Apnea-Hypopnea Index, or Oxygen Desaturation Index. With regard to initial sleep endoscopy, there were fewer patients without any obstruction at the palatal and oropharyngeal levels and higher prevalence of lateral obstruction patterns at oropharynx in group 1 in contrast to groups 2 and 3. Groups 2 and 3 showed similar results, although group 2 patients underwent UPPP-TE before UAS implantation. CONCLUSION: UPPP-TE should be considered in patients with persistent OSA after UAS implantation if the obstruction is identified at the level of velum and oropharynx. Although this approach has higher response rates and better outcomes can be achieved in patients with UAS, there is no indication for patients to routinely undergo UPPP-TE prior to UAS implantation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: 4 Laryngoscope, 129:514-518, 2019.

Factors associated with changing indications for adenotonsillectomy: A population-based longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: Adenotonsillectomy (AT) is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in children and adults. We aim to assess the factors associated with changes in the incidence of and indications for AT using population-level data. STUDY DESIGN: This retrospective cohort study investigated patients who underwent AT between 1997 and 2010 by using data from the Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database. We examined surgical rates and indications by the calendar year as well as age, sex, hospital level, and insured residence areas for the correlating factors. RESULTS: The average annual incidence rate of AT was 14.7 per 100,000 individuals during 1997-2010. Pediatric (<18 years) patients represented 48.2% of the total AT population. More than 99% of the patients underwent the AT procedures as an inpatient intervention. Longitudinal data demonstrated an increasing trend in the pediatric AT rates from 1997 (4.3/100,000) to 2010 (5.7/100,000) (p = 0.029). In the adult subgroup, a decreasing prevalence of infectious indications (p = 0.014) coincided with an increasing neoplastic indications (p = 0.001). In the pediatric subgroup, the prevalence of obstructive indications increased (p = 0.002). The logistic regression analyses indicated that the significant factors associated with the changing surgical indications for AT were the age in the adult subgroup and hospital level in the pediatric subgroup. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed a low AT rate in Taiwan than that in other countries. Pediatric AT incidence increased during 1997-2010. Although a rising prevalence of obstructive and neoplastic indications was noted, infection remained the most common indications for AT. Age in the adult subgroup and hospital level in the pediatric subgroup were factors associated with the changing indications for AT.

Síndrome de PFAPA: diagnóstico y evolución post-agmidalectomía. Stadística propia / PFAPA syndrome: diagnosis and post-tonsillectomy evolution. Our own statistics / PFAPA síndrome: diagnóstico e evolução pós-amigdalectomia. Estatística própria

Introducción: el síndrome de PFAPA (fiebre periódica, estomatitis aftosa, faringitis y adenopatías), se diagnostica mediante la exclusión de otras patologías pediátricas. El score diagnóstico de Gaslini resulta útil al momento de evaluar el riesgo del paciente de padecer una de estas enfermedades inflamatorias, orientando según el resultado al diagnóstico o la exclusión de una de ellas con una sensibilidad del 95% y una especificidad del 82%. No se comprende aún su etiología ni la causa de su respuesta frente a los corticoides y a la amigdalectomía. Marco referencial: En el Servicio de Otorrinolaringología de la Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola se sugiere amigdalectomía terapéutica frente a la falta de respuesta de la terapia corticoidea en los niños diagnosticados con síndrome de PFAPA. Materiales y métodos: Se realizó un estudio retrospectivo- descriptivo, mediante revisión de historias clínicas y control telefónico posquirúrgico a los 90 días, de todos los pacientes amigdalectomizados por padecer de síndrome de PFAPA para caracterizar la muestra, evaluar la remisión o no de las crisis febriles y correlacionar este resultado con el score de Gaslini. Resultados: n= 5. Promedio de edad = 3,8 años. Promedio de edad de inicio de las crisis = 3 años. Se observó abundancia de crisis con síntomas floridos y sólo un paciente con historia familiar positiva. El score de Gaslini arrojó pacientes de bajo riesgo. El control telefónico encontró remisión completa de las crisis en todos los pacientes. Conclusiones: Resultados alentadores post-amigdalectomía. Respaldo del score de Gaslini.

Introduction: PFAPA syndrome (periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharingytis, and adenopaty), is a periodic fever syndrome which is diagnosed by excluding other diseases. It usually begins between 2 and 5 years old. It is known that Gaslini Score is useful to evaluate the patient’s risk of developing one of these inflammatory diseases, having a sensitivity of 95% and a specificity of 82%. Neither its etiology, nor their response to corticosteroids and tonsillectomy is still clear. Framework: In the Department of Otolaryngology at the Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola, therapeutic tonsillectomy is suggested when PFAPA syndrome is diagnosed and response against corticosteroids fails to curb the incidence of this disease in the daily life of the child. Materials and methods: A retrospective descriptive study was conducted by reviewing medical records and telephone control at 90 days after surgery, in all patients undergoing tonsillectomy that suffer syndrome PFAPA, in order to characterize the patients included, evaluate remission and correlate this results with gaslini score. Results: n= 5. Average age = 3.8 years. Average age of onset of the crisis = 3 years. Many patients had generalized symptoms as companions of the crisis, but only one had a positive family history. Gaslini’s score dropped as a result all low-risk patients. The telephone control found a complete remission of crises in all patients. Conclusions: Post-tonsillectomy results, in our patients that have PFAPA syndrome, are encouraging as definitive therapy, as well as the correlation with the score of Gaslini.

Introdução: o PFAPA síndrome (febre periódica, estomatite aftosa, faringite e linfadenopatia), é diagnosticada pela exclusão de outras patologias pediátricas. A pontuação de Gaslini é útil quando se avalia risco de desenvolver uma dessas doenças inflamatórias do paciente, orientando-o com o resultado de diagnóstico ou exclusão com uma sensibilidade de 95% e uma especificidade de 82%. Ainda não se compreende a sua etiologia ou causa da sua resposta aos corticoides e amigdalectomia. Quadro de referência: No Departamento de Otorrinolaringologia da Clínica Universitaria Reina Fabiola se sugere amigdalectomia terapêutica frente a falta de resposta da terapia com corticosteróides em crianças com diagnóstico de síndrome de PFAPA. Materiais e métodos: Um estudo descritivo retrospectivo foi realizado pela revisão dos prontuários e de controle telefonico pós-cirúrgico após 90 dias, de todos os pacientes pós-amigdalectomia por sofrer síndrome PFAPA para caracterizar a amostra, avaliar a remissão ou não as convulsões febris e correlacionar este resultado com score de Gaslini. Resultados: n = 5. Edade média = 3,8 anos. Edade média de início das crises = 3 anos. Observou-se abundância de crise com sintomas floridas e sómente uma história familiar positiva. A pontuação de Gaslini indicou pacientes de baixo risco. O controle telefonico deu como resultado uma remissão completa das crises em todos os pacientes. Conclusões: Resultados encorajadores pós-amigdalectomia. Respaldo do score de Gaslini.

Causes, costs, and risk factors for unplanned return visits after adenotonsillectomy in children.

OBJECTIVE: To review the causes, costs, and risk factors for unplanned return visits and readmissions after pediatric adenotonsillectomy (T&A). METHODS: Review of administrative database of outpatient adenotonsillectomy performed at any facility within a vertically integrated health care system in the Intermountain West on children age 1-18 years old between 1998 and 2012. Data reviewed included demographic variables, diagnosis associated with return visit and costs associated with return visits. RESULTS: Data from 39,906 children aged 1-18 years old were reviewed. A total of 2499 (6.3%) children had unplanned return visits. The most common reasons for return visits were bleeding (2.3%), dehydration, (2.3%) and throat pain (1.2%). After multivariate analysis, the main risk factors for any type of return visits were Medicaid insurance (OR=1.64 95% CI 1.47-1.84), Hispanic race (OR=1.36 95% CI 1.13-1.64), and increased severity of illness (SOI) (OR=11.29 95% CI 2.69-47.4 for SOI=3). The only factor associated with increased odds of requiring an inpatient admission on return visit was length of time spent in PACU (p<0.001). A linear relationship was also observed between the child's age and the risk of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage. CONCLUSION: Children with increased severity of illness, those insured with Medicaid, and children of Hispanic ethnicity should be targeted with increased education and interventions in order to reduce unplanned visits after T&A. Further studies on post-tonsillectomy complications should include evaluating the effect of surgical technique and post-operative pain management on all complications and not solely post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage.

Tonsillectomy under threat: auditing the indications for performing tonsillectomy.

BACKGROUND: The 2009 McKinsey National Health Service report considered that tonsillectomy was relatively ineffective and often unjustified, and that its frequently could be greatly reduced. ENTUK argued against this, for severe recurrent tonsillitis. This study audited clinical indications for tonsillectomy. CRITERIA AND STANDARDS: Current guidelines state that patients with recurrent tonsillitis must have disabling sore throat episodes five or more times per year, and symptoms for at least a year, to justify tonsillectomy. METHODS: Seventeen recurrent tonsillitis patients receiving tonsillectomy were audited prospectively. Indications were poorly documented in the referral letter, so surgeons agreed to list specified tonsillectomy criteria when scheduling patients for tonsillectomy. A pro forma reminder was distributed to all clinics, and the next 100 scheduled tonsillectomy patients were audited. RESULTS: In the first audit, all 17 tonsillectomies were justified but only two (11.8 per cent) had documented indications. In the second audit, 85 per cent of patients had all essential criteria, which were documented in the listing letter. CONCLUSION: Tonsillectomy risks being removed from the UK essential otolaryngological surgical register, risking increased patient morbidity and work absence, despite valid supporting evidence of efficacy for recurrent tonsillitis. All UK otolaryngology units should strictly adhere to the ENTUK and Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network recommendations for tonsillectomy, and should document essential criteria in the listing letter, to strengthen the advocacy argument for tonsillectomy as essential, valid treatment for recurrent tonsillitis.

Effect of homoeopathic medicines on daily burden of symptoms in children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the intrinsic effects of individually prescribed homoeopathic medicines. DESIGN: Randomised double blind placebo controlled study. SETTING: Paediatric outpatient department of university hospital. PATIENTS: 175 children with frequently recurring upper respiratory tract infections. Of the 170 children evaluable, 86 were randomised to homoeopathic medicines (47 boys, 39 girls; median age at start 4.2 years; median number of episodes in past year 4) and 84 to placebo (43 boys, 41 girls; median age at start 3.6 years; median number of episodes in past year 4). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Mean score for daily symptoms, number of antibiotic courses, and number of adenoidectomies and tonsillectomies over one year of follow up. RESULTS: The mean daily symptom score was 2.61 in the placebo group and 2.21 in the treatment group (difference 0.41; 95% confidence interval -0.02 to 0.83). In both groups the use of antibiotics was greatly reduced compared with that in the year before entering the trial (from 73 to 33 in the treatment group and from 69 to 43 in the placebo group). The proportion of children in the treatment group having adenoidectomies was lower in the treatment group (16%, 8/50) than in the placebo group (21%, 9/42). The proportion having tonsillectomies was the same in both groups (5%). CONCLUSION: Individually prescribed homoeopathic medicines seem to add little to careful counselling of children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infection in reducing the daily burden of symptoms, use of antibiotics, and need for adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy.