Tonsillectomy versus watchful waiting in recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis in adults: randomised controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the short term efficacy and safety of tonsillectomy for recurrent streptococcal pharyngitis in adults. Design Randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Academic referral centre in Finland.


METHODS
70 adults with documented recurrent episodes of streptococcal group A pharyngitis.


METHODS
Instant tonsillectomy (n=36) or remaining on waiting list as control (n=34).


METHODS
Percentage change in the risk of an episode of streptococcal pharyngitis at 90 days. Rates of all episodes of pharyngitis and days with symptoms and adverse effects.


RESULTS
The mean (SD) follow-up was 164 (63) days in the control group and 170 (12) days in the tonsillectomy group. At 90 days, streptococcal pharyngitis had recurred in 24% (8/34) in the control group and 3% (1/36) in the tonsillectomy group (difference 21%; 95% confidence interval 6% to 36%). The number needed to undergo tonsillectomy to prevent one recurrence was 5 (3 to 16). During the whole follow-up, the rates of other episodes of pharyngitis and days with throat pain and fever were significantly lower in the tonsillectomy group than in the control group. The most common morbidity related to tonsillectomy was postoperative throat pain (mean length 13 days, SD 4).


CONCLUSIONS
Adults with a history of documented recurrent episodes of streptococcal pharyngitis were less likely to have further streptococcal or other throat infections or days with throat pain if they had their tonsils removed.


BACKGROUND
Clinical Trials NCT00136877.
Alho
Olli-Pekka
OP
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, FIN-90014, Finland. opalho@cc.oulu.fi
Koivunen
Petri
P
Penna
Tomi
T
Teppo
Heikki
H
Koskela
Markku
M
Luotonen
Jukka
J
D000208:Acute Disease; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010612:Pharyngitis / Q000601:surgery*; D012008:Recurrence; D013290:Streptococcal Infections / Q000601:surgery*; D013297:Streptococcus pyogenes; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome