title: Posttonsillectomy weight loss in adults.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To analyze and determine the incidence and severity of weight loss in adult tonsillectomies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Case series with chart review.
  
  
  METHODS
  Adult tonsillectomy is performed for a variety of indications. Anecdotally, patients report a 10- to 15-pound weight loss in the postoperative period; however, no supporting research has been documented. The pediatric population has a well-documented weight gain postoperatively.
  
  
  METHODS
  In total, 138 adults (aged 18-40 years) receiving tonsillectomy at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) between 2008 and 2013.
  
  
  METHODS
  A retrospective study was performed using an S3 surgery scheduling system search of all adult tonsillectomies at NMCP between 2008 and 2013. A subsequent electronic medical record search (AHLTA) of preoperative and postoperative weights and demographics was performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data analysis revealed a significant difference found between preoperative and postoperative weight across all age groups (4.77 pounds, P < .005). Analysis of variance was performed to determine if there is a significant difference between these age and body mass index (BMI) groups. The highest amount of weight loss was observed in the oldest population group (5.72 pounds in subjects aged >40 years, 4.95 pounds in 31- to 40-year-olds, and 5.44 pounds in 20- to 30-year-olds, P = .03). Age comparisons were statistically significant. There was no statistically significant association between BMI and postoperative weight loss.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results indicate that there is evidence of a roughly 5-pound weight loss in the postoperative period following tonsillectomy in adults with subsequent return to baseline weight after roughly 5 months. These findings are significant since this could lead to further research into changes in obesity-associated disease.
authors.affiliation: Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA stefan.rozycki@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Stefan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rozycki
authors.affiliation: Naval Medical Center, Portsmouth, Virginia, USA.
authors.forename: Eric M
authors.initials: EM
authors.lastname: Gessler
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015992:Body Mass Index; D001835:Body Weight; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012737:Sex Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000379:methods*; D015431:Weight Loss / Q000502:physiology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: postoperative changes; postoperative counseling; postoperative tonsillectomy; postoperative weight loss; tonsillectomy; weight loss