Health-related quality of life after tonsillotomy versus tonsillectomy in young adults: 6 years postsurgery follow-up

The indication for tonsil surgery is tonsillitis or obstructive symptoms due to tonsillar hypertrophy, associated with morbidity affecting health related quality of life (HRQL). Surgery performed is either tonsillectomy (TE) or partial intra capsular tonsillectomy/tonsillotomy (TT). TT is associated with fewer postoperative complications and rapid recovery, but with risk for regrowth of tonsillar tissue and return of sleep disordered breathing (SDB) or infections. The aim of this study was to investigate the long-term effects of TT and TE in young adults relating to HRQL and well-being as consequence of obstructive symptoms or ENT-infections after 6 years versus effect after 1 year. Young adults with symptoms of tonsillar hyperplasia were randomized to TE (44) or TT (32). Patients were assessed prior to surgery and 1 and 6 years postoperatively. Short Form 36 and the EuroQul Visual Analog Scale evaluated HRQL. Questionnaire was used to explore well-being, obstruction symptoms and infections. Patient BMI was calculated. Six years after surgery, 91 % of young adults (TE39/TT29) reported persisting benefits in well-being, reduced obstructive problems and fewer infections. Some patients in both groups reported a slight increase in snoring compared to 1 year after surgery, but still less than before surgery. Obesity was more frequent among those snoring. Both TT and TE in young adults yielded HRQL improvements and reduction in symptoms defining SDB persisting through 6 years postsurgery. Results indicated that both surgical methods were equally effective. Findings favor choice of TT due to lesser postoperative morbidity.