Benefits and efficacy of tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis in adults.

CONCLUSIONS

Tonsillectomy is an effective procedure that provides medical and social benefits for adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the benefits, impact and overall efficacy of tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis in adults.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Analysis of medical records with postoperative survey analysis of patients who underwent tonsillectomy in 1 work year with at least 1 year of follow-up.

RESULTS

A total of 105 patients returned completed surveys. Their mean age was 26.25 years. The mean frequency of tonsillitis per year decreased from 8.37 (SD=3.75) to 1.43 (SD=1.86), p<0.005. The mean duration in days of each episode of tonsillitis decreased from 5.91 (SD=2.67) to 1.23 (SD=1.42), p<0.005. The mean number of work days missed decreased from 8.92 (SD=6.85) to 0.65 (SD=1.49), p<0.005. The mean pain score (1-10) was 6.88 (SD=5.75). An average of 14.17 (SD=5.75) days of medical leave was required postoperatively. In all, 37.1% of patients noticed postoperative voice changes; 92.4% would still choose tonsillectomy again for the same condition and 98.1% would recommend tonsillectomy to family or friends if they had recurrent tonsillitis.