title: The effect of tonsillectomy on the morbidity from recurrent tonsillitis.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Tonsillitis is a common condition with an incidence in UK general practice of 37 per 1000 population a year.1Recurrent tonsillitis results in significant morbidity and impacts on individuals' quality of life. This study assesses the morbidity and quality of life of adults with recurrent tonsillitis, and the impact of surgical intervention on their health state.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To describe disease-specific and global quality of life for adults with recurrent tonsillitis 6 months after tonsillectomy, using two instruments: the health impact of throat problems (HITP) and EuroQol-visual analogue scale questionnaire. To assess the overall health benefit from tonsillectomy as an intervention using the Glasgow Benefit Inventory (GBI). To assess potential predictors of tonsillectomy benefit.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, observational cohort audit of patients who have fulfilled Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) criteria for tonsillectomy.2SETTING: Secondary care, teaching hospital.
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy patients (57 female), median age 20 years (range 13-41).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Median preoperative HITP was 47 (range 15-67), compared to 4 (0-72), (P<.001) 6 months following surgery. Median HITP difference was 39.5 (range -20 to 75). There was no significant change in global Quality of Life. Median overall 6 months GBI was 39 (-3 to 100). Patients had an average of 27 episodes of tonsillitis over a period of seven years before "achieving" tonsillectomy, significantly higher than the SIGN guidelines of three or more episodes over three years.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Recurrent tonsillitis causes a poor disease-specific quality of life. Patients experienced a median of three episodes per year for seven years before tonsillectomy. Following tonsillectomy, patients had a significant improvement in their disease-specific quality of life. Baseline HITP significantly improved after tonsillectomy. The results imply patients with recurrent acute tonsillitis may be experiencing undue delay.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: C M
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0002-5564-1513
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Douglas
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Lang
authors.affiliation: MRC/CSO Institute of Hearing Research - Scottish Section, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: W M
authors.initials: WM
authors.lastname: Whitmer
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Wilson
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mackenzie
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life; D012008:Recurrence; D013997:Time Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: SIGN guidelines; quality of life; sore throat; tonsillitis