title: Good long-term results after tonsillectomy in ear, nose and throat practices.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The objective was to evaluate the long-term results of outpatient tonsillectomy in Danish ear, nose and throat (ENT) practices in terms of satisfaction, quality of life (QoL) and relief of symptoms.
  
  
  METHODS
  A telephone interview was carried out at least three years after tonsillectomy. Alternatively, a questionnaire was filled in by the patients. The answers were compared to a pre-operative questionnaire.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The response rate was 63% (386/614). No differences were found between the responders and the non-responders except that the proportion of smokers was higher in the non-responder group. QoL improved significantly and 93% were satisfied with having chosen tonsillectomy. 95% experienced complete or partial relief from their former throat-related symptoms. Eight to 11% had developed new symptoms from the throat including sleep-disordered breathing.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  With regard to QoL, satisfaction and relief of symptoms, the long-term results of outpatient tonsillectomy in Danish ENT practices are comparable to those obtained among hospitalized patients and they are in conformity with international standards. However, as approximately 10% develop new symptoms, it is important that physicians are aware of the indication as well as of any information received during shared decision-making with the patients/parents to adjust expectations.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  none.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  none.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark. theroves@rm.dk
authors.forename: Therese
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ovesen
authors.forename: Audrius
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Kamarauskas
authors.forename: Tinna
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hlidarsdottir
authors.forename: Mads Ronald
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Dahl
authors.forename: Jan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Mainz
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003718:Denmark; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006965:Hyperplasia / Q000150:complications; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010036:Otolaryngology; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000209:etiology; D012913:Snoring / Q000209:etiology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult