Tonsillar regrowth following partial tonsillectomy with radiofrequency.

OBJECTIVES

To assess regrowth potential of the tonsils following partial tonsillectomy performed by using radiofrequency.

METHODS

Follow-up results of 42 children (aged from 1 to 10 years) who consecutively had partial tonsillectomy with radiofrequency due to obstructive sleep apnea or snoring were evaluated for regrowth of the tonsils.

RESULTS

Regrowth of the remaining tonsillar tissue was observed in 7 of 42 patients (16.6%). The upper respiratory tract obstruction symptoms recurred in 5 of these 7 patients while the remaining 2 patients were asymptomatic. The tonsils of symptomatic patients were removed completely.

CONCLUSION

Partial tonsillectomy may have a significant potential for regrowth and thereby recurrence of the obstructive symptoms. Although the cause of this regrowth remains unknown, this problem should be remembered by the surgeons, and an informed consent should be obtained from the families prior to radiofrequency tonsillotomy.