Long-term improvement of quality of life as a result of tonsillotomy (with radiofrequency technique) and tonsillectomy in youths.
OBJECTIVE
This is a 1 year follow-up to compare the effects of partial tonsil resection using the radiofrequency technique (RF) tonsillotomy (TT) with total tonsillectomy (TE) (blunt dissection). Obstructive symptoms, tendency for infections, and health-related quality of life (HRQL) were studied and compared with the HRQL data from a normal population.


METHODS
The study group consisted of 74 patients (16-25 yr old) randomized to TT (n = 31) or TE (n = 43) with obstructive throat problems with or without recurrent tonsillitis. The Short Form 36 (SF-36) and EuroQul Visual Analogue Scale were used to evaluate HRQL. A questionnaire investigated the degree of obstruction and history of infections.


RESULTS
Preoperatively, both groups reported significantly lower HRQL in all dimensions of the SF-36 compared with the normal population (P < .05-P < .001). After 1 year, a large improvement (P < .01-P < .001) in both groups in HRQL was found. No differences were found when these groups were compared with the normal population or between the study groups. The effect on snoring was the same for both groups, and the rate of recurrence of infections was low and not any higher in the TT group.


CONCLUSIONS
Preoperative obstructive problems in combination with recurrent tonsillitis have a negative impact on HRQL. Both the TT and TE groups demonstrated large improvements on HRQL, infections, and obstructive problems 1 year after surgery, indicating that the surgical methods are equally effective. With its reduced postoperative complications, less pain, shorter recovery time, and cost reduction, TT with RF should be considered the method of choice.
Ericsson
Elisabeth
E
Division of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Neuroscience and Locomotion, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Linköping, Sweden. elier@inr.liu.se
Ledin
Torbjörn
T
Hultcrantz
Elisabeth
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000601:surgery*; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000379:methods*