Adenoids and tonsils, indications for surgery and immunological consequences of surgery

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy procedures are among the oldest surgical procedures still performed today. Tonsils and adenoids are part of Waldeyer's ring, the basic function of which is antibody formation. Because of their location at the portal of entry of many airborne and alimentary antigens, the tonsils and adenoids often have been considered as the first line of defense against respiratory infections. Indications for adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy are to date still controversial. The two main indications for tonsillectomy are upper airway obstruction due to tonsillar hypertrophy and recurrent acute or chronic tonsillitis. Adenoid hypertrophy with upper airway or eustachian tube obstruction and recurrent acute or chronic adenoiditis or otitis media are main indications to perform an adenoidectomy. The possible immunological effects of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are still controversial. Some authors have found changes in immunoglobulin levels after tonsillectomy, while others failed to find significant changes. In a review of long-term follow-up studies, the authors showed that while tonsillectomy may lead to certain changes in the cellular and humoral immune system, these alterations are clinically insignificant and no increased frequency of immunomodulated diseases should be expected.     

Why do palatine tonsils grow back after partial tonsillectomy in children?

Within the last decade, adenoidectomy with partial tonsillectomy has been revived in children with obstructive sleep-disordered breathing caused by adenotonsillar hyperplasia, generating debate about remaining tonsillar tissue regrowth. The study examined potential risk factors of the regrowth. Prospective, nonrandomised, case series feasibility study of children meeting the criteria for palatine tonsils regrowth after partial tonsillectomy performed in patients with obstructive sleep-related breathing disorder was carried out. Out of 793 operated children, 294 after adenoidectomy and 373 after adenotonsillotomy were followed up for 4 years in 12-month intervals. In 27 children after adenotonsillotomy, regrowth of tonsillar tissue was observed. In 22 individuals after adenoidectomy alone, hyperplasia of palatine tonsils was noted. The children had bacterial cultures of pharyngeal smears and blood samples tested for anti-streptolysin O, C-reactive protein and total IgE. Caregivers completed a questionnaire reporting on: their child’s breathing after surgery; frequency, severity and treatment of upper respiratory tract infections; diet; family history of adenoidal and/or tonsillar hyperplasia; and history of allergy. As controls, 272 participants after adenoidectomy alone and 346 after adenotonsillotomy were examined. The amount of sugar in the diet and the incidence of upper respiratory tract infections after surgery differed between the groups of patients and controls. Other differences were insignificant. The tonsillar tissue remaining after partial tonsillectomy in children has a remarkable tendency to grow back, related to a diet abundant in sugar and numerous upper respiratory tract infections. Tonsillar regrowth was age related and occurred most frequently in individuals older than 7 years.     

Guidelines for inpatient adenoidectomy

BACKGROUND: Adenoidectomy, with or without tonsillectomy, remains as one of the most common surgical procedures. This study was undertaken to determine whether or not the criteria for adenoidectomy based on an inpatient basis in our hospital have to be revised and to evaluate the incidence of postoperative bleeding. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The data of 470 patients who underwent adenoidectomy during 1 year were analyzed in a prospective study. Age <1 year; age >16 years; underlying diseases that put the patient at increased pre-or postoperative cardiopulmonary, metabolic or general risk; >20 minutes driving time between hospital and home, lack of compliance; request of the patients/parents were criteria for adenoidectomy to be performed as an inpatient procedure. Due to the rarity of postoperative bleeding the rate of post-adenoidectomy hemorrhage was calculated in a retrospective study on the basis of the data of 8131 patients who had undergone adenoidectomy. RESULTS: A total of 249 patients underwent adenoidectomy on an outpatient basis (53%). Two patients required surgical treatment for postoperative bleeding under general anesthesia (0.43%), one of whom was initially scheduled for outpatient surgery. The parents of 17 children initially scheduled for outpatient surgery refused to take responsibility of postoperative care on the day of surgery. These children were admitted. Inpatient observation was scheduled in most cases because of the distance to the hospital (115 patients) or underlying diseases (7 patients). The rate of post-adenoidectomy hemorrhage in our retrospective study was 0.23%. There was only one adult with repeated bleeding on the day of surgery and 6 days postoperatively. 15 of 19 episodes of bleeding occurred on the day of surgery, the latest episode 6 days postoperatively. There was no case with lethal outcome. No blood transfusions or major surgical procedures at the neck were required to stop the bleeding. CONCLUSIONS: Inpatient observation should be considered in patients with underlying general diseases, postoperative bleeding, poor compliance or request of the patients/parents. Age, general risk of post-adenoidectomy hemorrhage and distance to the hospital are not criteria significant enough to indicate inpatient observation in patients who undergo adenoidectomy.     

儿童扁桃体切除术后出血率及出血程度分级的初步探讨

目的　统计儿童扁桃体切除术后出血率,根据Windfuhr分级法衡量儿童扁桃体术后出血的程度。方法 统计2010年3月～2013年3月在深圳市儿童医院行扁桃体切 除或扁桃体加腺样体切除患儿资料,统计术后出血发生率。结果　1672例患儿扁桃体切除术后出血16例,出血率为0.96%。女童术后出血率1.8%明显高于男童出血率0.53%,差异有统计学意义（χ 2=5.545,P <0.05）;原发性出血6例,继发性出血10例。出血程度1级9例,2级7例。结论 儿童扁桃体切除术后出血率很低,遇有活动性出血者应手气管插管全麻下止血。     

Post-tonsillectomy and -adenoidectomy hemorrhage in nonselected patients

This retrospective study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of hemorrhage in nonselected patients requiring surgical treatment after adenoidectomy (group 1; 7,785 patients) or tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy (group 2; 6,794 patients). Postoperative bleeding from the tonsillar fossae occurred in 200 patients (2.94%). Primary hemorrhage (< 24 hours) clearly prevailed in groups 1 (86%) and 2 (78%). There was 1 case with a lethal outcome following tonsillectomy (0.007%). Bleeding from the epipharynx occurred in 17 patients of group 1 (0.21%). A total of 5 patients received blood transfusions, all of them belonging to group 2 (0.07%). The latest bleeding occurred 6 days (adenoidectomy) and 18 days (tonsillectomy) after surgery. Hemorrhage following both procedures is a rare complication predominantly occurring several hours after surgery and in nonselected patients. Male gender, age over 70 years, infectious mononucleosis, and a history of recurrent tonsillitis were found to be risk factors for posttonsillectomy hemorrhage.     

Cor pulmonale secondary to tonsillar and adenoidal hypertrophy: management considerations

Eleven cases of cor pulmonale secondary to tonsil and adenoid hypertrophy and upper airway obstruction were reviewed. These patients presented with a spectrum disease ranging from mild, with only abnormal ECG or chest X-ray findings, to severe with hypercarbia, hypoxia, and right heart failure. One patient with severe disease suffered a postoperative respiratory arrest. We have successfully managed 4 patients with severe cor pulmonale with postoperative intubation and assisted ventilation. Hypoxia is the driving stimulus for respiration in patients with upper airway obstruction and hypercarbia. Relief of respiratory obstruction by tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy with postoperative oxygen administration may remove the hypoxic drive, resulting in respiratory arrest. Patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy for upper airway obstruction disease should be screened for cor pulmonale. Affected patients should be managed after surgery in an intensive care unit (ICU) environment with careful monitoring of the respiratory status. Patients with severe cor pulmonale can be successfully managed with planned postoperative intubation and mechanical ventilation to prevent respiratory arrest.     

儿童扁桃体、腺样体低温等离子切除术后出血的临床研究

目的 探讨应用低温等离子手术或者传统手术方式行儿童扁桃体、腺样体切除术在术后出血方面存在的差异。方法 回顾性分析1597例接受手术治疗的儿童慢性扁桃体炎、腺样体肥大的患者资料,行等离子射频辅助的扁桃体和(或)腺样体切除术者793例(等离子组),行传统扁桃体切除和(或)腺样体者804例(传统组)。比较两组原发性及继发性出血的发生率、出血程度和出血部位的差异。结果 等离子组发生术后出血25例(3.2％),传统组出血19例(2.4％),两组间差异无统计学意义(χ2=3．34,P>0．05);其中等离子组原发性出血9例(1.1％),继发性出血16例(2.0％);传统组原发性出血11例(1.4％),继发性出血8例(1．0％),两者比较差异有统计学意义(χ2=9．45,P<0．01)。两组术后的出血部位经卡方检验,出血程度经Wilcoxon秩和检验,P值均>0．05,差异均无统计学意义。结论 低温等离子辅助行儿童扁桃体、腺样体切除术,在术后出血的发生率、程度、部位三个方面相对于传统的手术方法治疗,二者差异无统计学意义。     

Effect of modern fibrin glue on bleeding after tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

We performed a prospective randomized study in 179 patients to examine the second-generation surgical fibrin sealant Quixil as an effective substitute for different types of electrocautery in tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. We compared the rates of hemorrhagic complications in a group with bipolar or needle point electrocautery and in a group in whom fibrin glue was used to stop intraoperative bleeding and to prevent postoperative bleeding. The operations were performed under general anesthesia in typical fashion with sharp dissection. For the control group, hemostasis was achieved by bipolar or needle point electrocautery. For the fibrin glue group, hemostasis was achieved by spraying Quixil fibrin glue approximately 0.5 mL to each tonsillar fossa and 0.5 mL to the nasopharynx (in adenoidectomy). The results were excellent in all the patients of the fibrin glue group, with complete hemostasis and resolution of the major symptoms. In this group, the intraoperative blood loss averaged 15 mL in tonsillectomy and 9 mL in adenoidectomy. There were no cases of postoperative hemorrhage or any other complications. The electrocautery group required a longer time for healing, and its intraoperative blood loss (tonsillectomy) averaged 29 to 33 mL. The incidence of posttonsillectomy bleeding in this group was 4.35% (4 patients). Three patients (3.26%) had primary hemorrhage (bleeding that occurs within the first 24 hours of surgery), and 1 patient (1.09%) had secondary hemorrhage (bleeding that occurs after the first 24 hours). We conclude that Quixil fibrin glue application to the operative sites in tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy provides effective hemostasis and sealing with good systemic and local compatibility. With the help of Quixil, we minimized surgical trauma and achievedabsolute hemostasis at the same time. We found this fibrin glue to be a more convenient and effective hemostatic sealant than bipolar or needle point coagulation.     

The effect of tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy on the intra-tympanic pressure

A group of 67 children were studied (mean age 7 years, 2 months) who underwent adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy because of either recurrent otitis media or upper respiratory tract infection. The mean pre-operative intratympanic pressure was -67.3 mmH2O (SD 65.1); three months post-operatively it was -21.9 mmH2O (SD 32.4), a highly significant improvement (p less than 0.001). The size of the adenoids had a nearly significant effect on the pre-operative intratympanic pressure (p less than 0.05). In children with large vs small adenoids the difference was highly significant (p less than 0.001). In a group of five children, tonsillectomy alone (adenoidectomy performed earlier) did not have any effect on the intratympanic pressure. No change in intratympanic pressure was seen in children with nasal allergy as compared with non-allergic children after adenoidectomy.     

Cryosurgical treatment of tonsillar hypertrophy in children

Eighteen children with tonsillar hypertrophy and signs of upper respiratory obstruction during sleep have been treated by cryosurgery. Nitrous oxide has been used as the refrigerent and the freezing time has been 3 minutes X 2 on each tonsil, with spontaneous thawing in between. All the children had earlier undergone adenoidectomy without relief on their symptoms. Fourteen children are free of obstruction two years after treatment, 12 after one treatment and two after two treatments. The treatment has been found to be free from complications. Cryosurgery represents an alternative to conventional tonsillectomy in the treatment of upper respiratory obstruction caused by enlarged tonsils in children.     

儿童扁桃体腺样体低温等离子手术迟发性出血的初步研究

目的 比较低温等离子手术与常规手术方式在儿童扁桃体、腺样体手术后迟发性出血(手术24 h后)率及出血时间点的情况,初步探讨导致低温等离子手术迟发性出血的可能原因.方法 回顾性分析的方法研究采用传统手术和低温等离子手术行扁桃体切除和(或)腺样体刮除术1～14岁患儿术后迟发性出血率及出血时间点的差异.传统组为2005年4月至2006年7月行传统冷法手术(即传统手术刀切除,对周围组织没有热损伤的方法)的患儿,等离子组为2008年4月至2009年9月行低温等离子扁桃体切除和(或)腺样体消融术的患儿.结果 传统组患儿484例,术后迟发性出血2例,迟发性出血率为0.4%,出血时间点1例为术后2 d,另1例为术后3 d.等离子组患儿502例,术后迟发性出血11例,迟发性出血率为2.2%,出血时间点2～12 d,中位数为6.0 d.其中等离子刀初学者主刀手术的迟发性出血率为2.6%(10/385),技术操作熟练者手术的迟发性出血率为0.9%(1/117).等离子组迟发性出血率高于传统组(χ2=5.987,P=0.014),两组出血时间点差异无统计学意义(Mann-Whitney检验U=2.500,P=0.103).13例出血患儿中创面局部或上呼吸道感染者6例,术后进食不当的3例.结论 低温等离子技术应用于儿童扁桃体腺样体手术后迟发性出血的原因可能与手术技能经验不足、止血稳定性欠佳等有关,术后感染和进食不当也会造成迟发性出血,应引起临床重视.     

Tonsillectomy using the Ligasure vessel sealing system. A preliminary report

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate and introduce a new method of tonsillectomy with the use of Ligasure vessel sealing system (LVSS) in pediatric population. METHOD: A prospective study was conducted on children undergoing tonsillectomy with the use of LVSS. Indications included chronic tonsillitis, peritonsilar abscess history, and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Patients undergoing adenoidectomy, or any procedure together with tonsillectomy, and patients with bleeding disorders were excluded. Among the available head-pieces, the 'Precise' instrument was used, both as haemostatic and dissection tool. Intraoperative bleeding, operative time, and complication rates, were evaluated. RESULTS: Our series consisted of 83 children among 103 patients undergone LVSS tonsillectomy. There was no measurable bleeding during surgery in any of the cases. In 18 children limited peritonsilar edema was noticed. No postoperative hemorrhage or other complication occurred. Mean operative time was 16 min. CONCLUSIONS: LVSS was found quite effective and safe, providing sufficient haemostasis, minimal intraoperative blood loss, and safety against the variant Creutzfeld-Jakob disease transmission.     

Radiological parameters of the bony nasopharynx and the adenotonsillar size compared with sleep apnea episodes in children

The role of enlarged adenoids and tonsils in recurrent respiratory infections and upper airway obstruction has become well-established earlier. In this study we investigated the relationship between the X-ray properties of the nasopharynx and the sleep quality by using a new sleep registration method: The Static Charge Sensitive Bed (SCSB). The estimation of the bony nasopharyngeal dimensions, the measurement of adenotonsillar volume and the sleep recordings were performed as adenoidectomy, tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy in hospitalized children. A surprisingly high frequency of sleep apnea episodes was found in sleep recordings of about 8 h. No correlations could be established between the X-ray anatomical estimates and sleep apnea episodes.     

The comparison of bacteremia and amount of bleeding during adenotonsillectomy

Objective

Adenoidectomies and/or tonsillectomies are among the most frequently performed otolaryngological surgical procedures.The goals of this study were to investigate the relationship between the amount of bleeding and bacteremia during adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy procedures.

Methods

Seventy-eight patients who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy and adenoidectomy with or without tube insertion were included in the study. Patients with severe chronic underlying diseases (including cardiovascular disorders, renal or hepatic disease, or immunodeficiency) were excluded from study, as were those who had suffered an acute episode of respiratory infection or had received antibiotics for any reason within three weeks prior to the operation. The amount of bleeding was measured and recorded for each patient during the surgery. Preoperative blood cultures immediately after the induction of anesthesia and postoperative blood cultures 20 min after the operation were collected.

Results

While none of the blood cultures taken preoperatively was positive for any organisms, the cultures obtained postoperatively were positive in 16 (20.5%) of 78 patients who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy and adenoidectomy with or without tube insertion, and bacteremia was more frequent among those with greater amount of bleeding during the surgery.

Conclusion

The results of this study suggest that although bacteremia had no clinical consequences in patients, it should be kept in mind that patients with greater amount of bleeding are at higher risk for developing bacteremia and it may produce vital results in patients at risk.     

Adenoids and middle ear pressure

A group of100 children were studied who underwent adenoidectomy and or tonsillectomy because of either upper respiratory tract infection or recurrent otitis media, the mean age of the group was7 years6 months. The mean pre-operative middle ear pressure (MEP) was −89.3 mm H₂O, two months postoperatively it was −32.4 mm H₂O, a highly significant improvement. The size of the adenoids had a nearly significant effect on the pre-operative MEP. The difference is highly significant in large vs small adenoids. In8 children where tonsillectomy was done alone, as adenoidectomy was done earlier had to effect on MEP. There was no change of MEP in children undergoing adenoidectomy with or without nasal allergy.     

Evidence of an association between mannose binding lectin codon 54 polymorphism and adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy in children

Mannose binding lectin (MBL) is a calcium-dependent lectin that plays an important role innate immunity by activating the complement pathway. There have been a number of studies describing an association between the MBL genotype and disease susceptibility. MBL deficiency has been described as one of the factors leading to a number of infections in children with recurrent upper respiratory tractus infections (URTI). We hypothesized that MBL deficiency may be associated with recurrent URTI, which requires adenoidectomy and/or adenotonsillectomy. In this study to clarify this hypothesis we investigated whether there may be an association between two low producing MBL variants and adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy due to recurrent URTI in children. Blood samples were collected, adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy due to recurrent URTI and 50 controls (mean age 80.53 +/- 32.62 months). In all patients and controls codon 54 and codon 57 polymorphisms of the MBL gene were analyzed. None of the subjects from the patient group and control group carried codon 57 polymorphism of the MBL gene. The frequency of low-level MBL genotypes (AB and BB) for codon 54 polymorphism in the patient group was found to be significantly higher compared to the control subjects (55.7% versus 14%) (p<0.001). This study shows that the presence of low-level MBL alleles is associated with adenoidectomy and/or tonsillectomy caused by recurrent URTI in children.     

The effect of ibuprofen on postoperative hemorrhage following tonsillectomy in children

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of ibuprofen on hemorrhage after tonsillectomy in children. All charts of children, who underwent tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy, were reviewed. The age at the time of surgery ranged between 3 and 16 years (mean age = 7.55 ± 3.01 years). Children were divided into two groups based on the drugs used for postoperative pain relief. Group I received paracetamol after surgery. Group II received ibuprofen after surgery. A total of 62 patients received ibuprofen and 109 patients were given paracetamol. Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage occurred in seven (4.1%) children, primary hemorrhage was noted in five patients and secondary hemorrhage occurred in two patients. While 3 of 62 children (4.8%) who were given ibuprofen had postoperative hemorrhage, 4 of 109 patients (3.7%) who were given paracetamol had hemorrhage There was no significant difference in hemorrhage rates between these two groups (p > 0.05). Hemorrhage following tonsillectomy is rare and frequently occurs in the early postoperative period. There is no significant increased risk of hemorrhage after ibuprofen administration and it can be used safely for post-tonsillectomy pain relief.     

Long term outcome of tonsillar regrowth after partial tonsillectomy in children with obstructive sleep apnea

Objective

We investigated the long-term effects of partial tonsillectomy, and potential risk factors for tonsillar regrowth in children with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS).

Methods

Children affected by OSAHS with obstructive hypertrophic tonsils underwent partial tonsillectomy or total tonsillectomy with radiofrequency coblation. Polysomnography was performed prior to and 5 years following surgery. Blood samples from all participants were taken prior to and 1 month following surgery to assess immune function. All participants were interviewed 5 years following surgery to ascertain effects of the surgery, rate of tonsillar regrowth, and potential risk factors.

Results

All parents reported alleviation of breathing obstruction. Postoperative hemorrhage did not occur in the partial tonsillectomy group compared to 3.76% in the total tonsillectomy group. Tonsillar regrowth occurred in 6.1% (5/82) in children following partial tonsillectomy. Palatine tonsil regrowth occurred a mean of 30.2 months following surgery, and 80% of children with tonsillar regrowth were younger than 5 years of age. All five patients had a recurrence of acute tonsillitis prior to enlargement of the tonsils. Four of the five had an upper respiratory tract allergy prior to regrowth of palatine tonsils. There were no differences in IgG, IgM, IgA, C3, or C4 levels following partial tonsillectomy or total tonsillectomy.

Conclusion

Partial tonsillectomy is sufficient to relieve obstruction while maintaining immunological function. This procedure has several post-operative advantages. Palatine tonsils infrequently regrow. Risk factors include young age, upper respiratory tract infections, history of allergy, and history of acute tonsillitis prior to regrowth.     

A retrospective study of tonsillectomy in the under 2-year-old child: indications,perioperative management,and complications

OBJECTIVE: To retrospectively review the experience with tonsillectomy in the under 2-year-old child at an urban children's hospital. METHODS: The medical records of 94 patients under 2 years old undergoing tonsillectomy between May 1, 1995, and May 31, 2000, were reviewed. The methods of tonsil and adenoid excision were noted, as was the use of perioperative steroids, antibiotics, and antiemetics. Outcome measures studied included the duration of postoperative inpatient observation, complications, time to first oral intake, prevalence of postoperative vomiting, type and duration of respiratory support, and improvement relative to operative indications. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients (87%) underwent tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy (T&A). Twelve patients (13%) underwent tonsillectomy without adenoidectomy. Patient ages ranged from 12 to 23 months (mean 19.6+/-3.1). Indications included obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in 51 patients (54%), chronic or recurrent tonsillitis in 30 (32%), both OSA and infection in 11 (12%), and acute tonsillitis with airway obstruction in two (2%). Comorbid conditions were numerous. Preoperative polysomnograms were obtained for eight patients (8%). Hospital stays ranged from 4 h to 16 days. Complications included hemorrhage in four patients (4%) and pneumonia in two (2%). Oxygen was required after discharge from the recovery room in 27 patients (29%), with seven more (7%) requiring either reintubation, continuous positive airway pressure, or nasopharyngeal airways. Of the 88 patients on oral diets, only five (5%) took longer than 24 h to resume oral intake. Two patients (2%) experienced significant emesis after surgery. Four patients (4%) required treatment for dehydration after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Tonsillectomy is a procedure with low morbidity in the otherwise healthy child under 2 years of age. However, we advocate routine postoperative overnight inpatient observation in this age group. We found that young children with comorbid conditions had a higher incidence of complications and required special postoperative management strategies.     

Tonsillotomy in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in children: polysomnographic results

INTRODUCTION: The therapy of choice in the treatment of pediatric obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) consists of tonsillectomy or tonsillotomy combined with adenoidectomy. While tonsillectomy unfortunately has a notable risk of secondary hemorrhage and postoperative pain, tonsillotomy is safer and less painful for children. The effect of both surgical methods on symptoms of OSAS seems to be equal, but up to now postoperative polysomnographic data for children treated by tonsillotomy are missing. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Twenty children aged 2-9 years (mean age: 4.1+/-2.0 years) with OSAS diagnosed by full-night polysomnography were included in the study. OSAS was defined as an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) of 5 or more with minimum oxygen saturation (SaO(2) min) of less than 90%. Exclusion criteria were obesity, craniofacial abnormalities or other pulmonary, cardiac or metabolic diseases as well as a history of recurrent tonsillitis. All children were treated by CO(2) laser tonsillotomy and adenoidectomy. Three to 12 months (mean: 7.7 months) after the procedure a control-polysomnography was performed in all children. RESULTS: No statistically significant changes were seen in the pre- and postoperative distribution of sleep stages, sleep efficacy and total sleep time. The AHI decreased from 14.9+/-8.7 to 1.1+/-1.6 (p<0.001), SaO(2) min increased from 71.1+/-11.1% to 91.2+/-3.5% (p<0.001). Thus, all children were cured by the operation. DISCUSSION: These polysomnographic data show that CO(2) laser tonsillotomy in combination with adenoidectomy is highly effective in the treatment of pediatric OSAS and should be preferred over tonsillectomy because of less postoperative pain and a lower risk of postoperative bleeding.