Recurrent tonsillitis in adults: quality of life after tonsillectomy.
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to assess the effect of tonsillectomy in adults with recurrent tonsillitis on their quality of life and on their use of medical resources.


METHODS
114 patients who had had at least three episodes of acute tonsillitis in the 12 months preceding tonsillectomy were evaluated pre- and postoperatively with a questionnaire developed by the authors, and with the Glasgow Benefit Inventory.


RESULTS
97 patients (85%) filled out the questionnaires completely. The Glasgow Benefit Inventory revealed an improvement in the overall score (+19) and in the partial scores for general well-being (+18) and physical health (+39). The degree of support from friends and family was unchanged (±0). Significant decreases were observed in visits to a physician, analgesic and antibiotic consumption, days off from work, and episodes of sore throat. The number of visits to a physician because of sore throat decreased from an average of five preoperatively to one postoperatively; the number of episodes of sore throat, from seven to two; and the number of days taken off from work, from twelve to one per year. 65% of the patients surveyed took analgesics for sore throat preoperatively, 7% postoperatively. 95% took antibiotics for sore throat preoperatively, 22% postoperatively.


CONCLUSIONS
Although this study had a number of limitations (small size, retrospective design, short follow-up), it was able to show that tonsillectomy for adults with recurrent tonsillitis improves health and quality of life and reduces the need to consume medical resources.
Marienhospital Gelsenkirchen GmbH, Hals-Nasen-Ohren-Heilkunde, Gelsenkirchen, Germany. goetzsenska@arcor.de
Götz
G
Senska
Stefanie
S
Ellermann
Stefan
S
Ernst
Hildegard
H
Lax
Philipp
P
Dost
D000041:Absenteeism; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D009313:National Health Programs / Q000191:economics; D017060:Patient Satisfaction / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000191:economics / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D055502:Secondary Prevention; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000191:economics / Q000523:psychology*; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000191:economics / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology / Q000601:surgery*; D014600:Utilization Review; D055815:Young Adult