Peritonsillar abscess after tonsillectomy: a review of the literature

INTRODUCTION

Peritonsillar abscess (PTA) is a common condition with a complicated aetiology. PTA after tonsillectomy is rare. This literature review of PTA in the absence of tonsil tissue aims to collate experience of these cases and examine the wider implications for understanding the aetiology of PTA formation.

METHODS

A structured literature review was performed using Ovid MEDLINE®. Keywords ‘quinsy’ or ‘peritonsillar abscess’ were combined with ‘tonsillectomy’.

RESULTS

The search resulted in 212 citations and the identification of 11 cases of PTA formation in the absence of tonsil tissue. The most common indication for tonsillectomy was recurrent tonsillitis or PTA. Nine patients had no interval peritonsillar infection (ie a peritonsillar infection after a tonsillectomy) prior to presenting with the PTA. The mean interval between tonsillectomy and PTA was 16 years. All patients were managed either by incision and drainage or by needle aspiration with or without antibiotics.

CONCLUSIONS

PTA in the absence of tonsil tissue is rare. Potential sources of infection include congenital branchial fistulas, Weber''s glands and dental disease. These alternatives should also be considered in patients presenting with PTA formation in the absence of concurrent tonsillitis and may influence management decisions.     

Tonsillitis,tonsillectomy, and deep neck space infections in England: the case for a new guideline for surgical and non-surgical management

IntroductionTonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure performed chiefly for recurrent tonsillitis. The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidance Network (SIGN) introduced guidelines in 1998 to improve patient selection for tonsillectomy and reduce the potential harm to patients from surgical complications such as haemorrhage. Since the introduction of the guidance, the number of admissions for tonsillitis and its complications has increased. National Hospital Episode Statistics over a 20-year period were analysed to assess the trends in tonsillectomy, post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage, tonsillitis and its complications with reference to the guidance, procedures of limited clinical value and the associated costs and benefits.Materials and methodsA literature search was conducted via PubMed and the Cochrane Library to identify relevant research. Hospital Episode Statistics data were interrogated and relevant data compared over time to assess trends related to the implementation of national guidance.ResultsOver the period analysed, the incidence of deep neck space infections has increased almost five-fold, mediastinitis ten-fold and peritonsillar abscess by 1.7-fold compared with prior to SIGN guidance. Following procedures of limited clinical value implementation, the incidence of deep neck space infections has increased 2.4-fold, mediastinitis 4.1-fold and peritonsillar abscess 1.4-fold compared with immediately prior to clinical commissioning group rationing. The rate of tonsillectomy and associated haemorrhage (1–2%) has remained relatively constant at 46,299 (1999) compared with 49,447 (2009) and 49,141 (2016), despite an increase in the population of England by seven million over the 20-year period.DiscussionThe rise in admissions for tonsillitis and its complications appears to correspond closely to the date of SIGN guidance and clinical commissioning group rationing of tonsillectomy and is on the background of a rise in the population of the UK. The move towards daycase tonsillectomy has reduced bed occupancy after surgery but this has been counteracted by an increase in admissions for tonsillitis and deep neck space infections, sometimes requiring lengthy intensive care stays and a protracted course of rehabilitation. The total cost of treating the complications of tonsillitis in England in 2017 is estimated to be around £73 million. The cost of tonsillectomy and treating post-tonsillectomy haemorrhage is £56 million by comparison. The total cost per annum for tonsillectomy prior to the introduction of SIGN guidance was estimated at £71 million with tonsillitis and its complications accounting for a further £8 million.     

Clinicopathological features and outcomes of primary IgA nephropathy patients with chronic tonsillitis

Objective To explore the clinicopathological features and renal outcomes of primary IgA nephropathy (IgAN) patients with chronic tonsillitis. Methods Patients with biopsy-proven primary IgAN admitted to The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University from January 2006 to December 2011 were enrolled. The clinicopathological features and renal outcomes of patients with and without chronic tonsillitis were retrospectively compared. The primary outcome was progression to end stage renal diseases and/or doubling of serum creatinine. Results A total of 981 primary IgAN patients were enrolled and 98 patients (9.99%) had a history of chronic tonsillitis. Compared with patients without chronic tonsillitis, IgAN patients with chronic tonsillitis exhibited significantly higher prevalence of acute episodes of tonsillitis as a predisposition (P＜0.001), higher serum IgA levels (P=0.012), and higher prevalence of macrohematuria (P=0.006). No significant difference in renal pathological features was observed in patients with and without chronic tonsillitis. Moreover, the renal outcomes were similar as regards IgAN patients with and without chronic tonsillitis. Conclusion IgAN patients with chronic tonsillitis had higher prevalence of acute episodes of tonsillitis and macrohematuria as well as higher serum IgA levels. However, IgAN patients with and without chronic tonsillitis showed no significant difference in renal pathological features and renal outcomes.     

Perioperative tranexamic acid in day-case paediatric tonsillectomy

Introduction

Tranexamic acid has been used for many years to minimise blood loss during surgery and, more recently, to reduce morbidity after major trauma. While small studies have confirmed reduction in blood loss during tonsillectomy with its use, the rate of primary haemorrhage following tonsillectomy has not been reported. In the UK, less than 50% of children having a tonsillectomy are managed as day cases, partly because of concerns about bleeding during the initial 24 hours following surgery.

Methods

A retrospective review of clinical records between January 2007 and January 2013 produced 476 children between the ages of 3 and 16 years who underwent Coblation™ tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy and/or insertion of ventilation tubes. All children were ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) grade 1 or 2 and anaesthetised using a standard day surgery protocol. Following induction of anaesthesia, all received intravenous tranexamic acid at a dose of 10–15mg/kg.

Results

Two children (0.4%) had minor bleeding within two hours of surgery. Both returned to theatre for haemostasis and were discharged home later the same day with no further complications. The expected rate for primary haemorrhage in the UK using this technique for tonsillectomy is 1%.

Conclusions

Perioperative tranexamic acid in a single, parenteral dose might reduce the incidence of primary haemorrhage following paediatric tonsillectomy, facilitating discharge on the day of surgery. The results from this observational study indicate a potential benefit and need for a large, prospective, multicentre, randomised controlled trial.     

MPO-ANCA-positive IgA nephropathy successfully treated with tonsillectomy

A 20-year-old Japanese woman was admitted to a hospital because of gross hematuria. She was diagnosed with IgA nephropathy with a poor prognosis, based on the formation of many crescents in the glomerulus and monocyte infiltration in the interstitium in a renal biopsy specimen in February 2003. Myeloperoxidase (MPO)-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) was not identified at that time. After treatment with high-dose steroid pulse therapy and heparin/warfarin, her urinary protein improved, to 0.5 g/day. However, 1 year after the steroid pulse therapy, urinary protein was increased to 1.2 g/day, associated with repeated episodes of tonsillitis. A second renal biopsy was performed, and showed an improving tendency, compared to the findings of the previous one, although some crescent formation and adhesions of Bowman's capsule remained. Interestingly, MPO-ANCA was positive in the serological examination done at this time. One month and a half after the second renal biopsy, she had a tonsillectomy, followed by a regimen of 5 mg oral prednisolone daily, in order to prevent the progression of IgA nephropathy. After the tonsillectomy, her urinary protein level was markedly improved, at 0.14 g/day. Her creatinine clearance was ameliorated, at 102 ml/min, and in addition, MPO-ANCA had disappeared. This case suggests that an inflammation such as tonsillitis may be associated not only with the activity of IgA nephropathy but also with the production of MPO-ANCA.     

盐酸达克罗宁胶浆在患儿扁桃体切除术中的应用

目的观察盐酸达克罗宁胶浆对患儿扁桃体切除术围术期血流动力学、术后疼痛及苏醒期躁动的影响。方法选择2017年1月至2018年2月全麻下择期行双侧扁桃体切除术患儿60例,男39例,女21例,年龄3～10岁,BMI 10～34 kg/m~2,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级。随机分为3组:单次用药组(SD组)、重复用药组(RD组)和对照组(CG组),每组20例。SD组麻醉前15 min含服5 ml盐酸达克罗宁胶浆5 min;RD组麻醉前15 min含服5 ml盐酸达克罗宁胶浆5 min,术毕前扁桃体窝内均匀涂抹盐酸达克罗宁胶浆2 ml;CG组麻醉前15 min含服5 ml空白胶浆5 min,术毕前扁桃体窝内涂抹空白胶浆2 ml,所有患儿均采用气管插管全麻。记录麻醉诱导前(T_0)、插管即刻(T_1)、扁桃体剥离时(T_2)、入PACU 30 min(T_4)、入PACU 60 min(T_5)时HR、MAP;记录麻醉时间、手术时间、苏醒时间、拔管时间,记录患儿入PACU时(T_3)、入PACU 30 min(T_4)、入PACU 60 min(T_5)时FLACC和PAED评分;记录术后恶心呕吐、创面渗血、呼吸道梗阻、低氧血症等不良反应发生情况。结果与T_0时比较,T_1、T_2时SD组和RD组HR明显减慢、MAP明显降低(P0.05),T_4、T_5时SD组HR明显增快、RD组MAP明显降低(P0.05),T_1、T_4和T_5时CG组HR明显增快(P0.05)。T_1、T_2时SD组和RD组HR明显慢于CG组,且MAP明显低于CG组(P0.05);T_4、T_5时RD组HR明显慢于SD组和CG组,且MAP明显低于SD组和CG组(P0.05)。T_3、T_4和T_5时,RD组的FLACC、PAED评分明显低于SD和CG组(P0.05)。三组患儿术后恶心呕吐、创面渗血、呼吸道梗阻、低氧血症等不良反应差异无统计学意义。结论患儿扁桃体切除术麻醉前和术毕应用盐酸达克罗宁胶浆,不仅明显减少围术期血流动力学波动,还可有效缓解患儿术后疼痛,减少苏醒期躁动。     

Powered intracapsular tonsillectomy in the management of recurrent tonsillitis.

OBJECTIVE: To compare intracapsular tonsillectomy (IT) and traditional tonsillectomy (TT) in treating recurrent adenotonsillitis or streptococcal pharyngitis. DESIGN: Retrospective chart review. SETTING: Tertiary care pediatric referral center. RESULTS: Of 166 patients who met all inclusion criteria, 117 received TT and 49 received IT. Seventeen TT patients and 8 IT patients were treated at least once postoperatively for streptococcal pharyngitis or tonsillitis. The mean number of infections after surgery in each group did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.295). CONCLUSION: There was no difference between the IT and TT groups in postoperative infection rates.     

小剂量艾司氯胺酮对患儿扁桃体腺样体切除术全麻苏醒期躁动的影响

目的 探讨全麻诱导前预防性应用小剂量艾司氯胺酮对患儿扁桃体腺样体切除术全麻苏醒期躁动(EA)的影响.方法 选择2021年1—3月择期行扁桃体腺样体切除术的患儿97例,男48例,女49例,年龄3～12岁,体重15～50 kg,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级.采用随机数字表法将患儿分为两组:艾司氯胺酮组(S组,n=49)和对照组(C组,n...     

曲马多不同静脉给药方案对小儿扁桃体切除术后躁动的影响

目的观察曲马多不同静脉给药方案对小儿扁桃体切除术后躁动的影响。方法择期扁桃体切除术患儿240例,年龄3~6岁,采用随机数字表法分为六组:A组诱导时给予曲马多2mg/kg,手术结束时给予生理盐水;B组诱导时给予生理盐水,手术结束时给予曲马多2mg/kg;C组诱导时给予曲马多1mg/kg,手术结束时给予生理盐水;D组诱导时给予生理盐水,手术结束时给予曲马多1mg/kg;E组诱导时给予曲马多1mg/kg,手术结束时给予曲马多1mg/kg;F组诱导时与手术结束时均给予生理盐水。记录拔管时间,清醒时间,清醒后10、20、30、40、50、60min的Ramsay镇静评分、躁动评分、FLACC评分及恶心呕吐发生率。结果清醒后10~50min B组镇静躁动评分、FLACC评分均明显低于其他五组(P0.05),而F组明显高于其他五组(P0.05)。清醒后10~40min B组Ramsay镇静评分明显高于其他五组(P0.05)。结论曲马多在小儿扁桃体切除术结束时以2mg/kg静脉注射可以在手术后1h内提供较好的镇静与镇痛,不增加手术后恶心呕吐的发生率,不影响拔管时间与清醒时间。     

Effect of an intravenous single dose of ketamine on postoperative pain in tonsillectomy patients

Background: Tonsillectomy has a high incidence of postoperative pain. The aim of the present study was to determine whether the use of low‐dose IV ketamine, before the start of surgery or after the end of the operation, would lead to significantly improved pain control after tonsillectomy in pediatric patients. Methods: Ninety children, 5–7 years old, scheduled for elective tonsillectomy were randomly assigned to one of three groups of 30 patients each; groups I, II and III. Patients in group I received no ketamine. Patients in group II received 0.5 mg·kg^?1 of ketamine before the surgical start and for group III the same dose was given after the operation ended. Postoperative pain was scored by the Oucher scale. Systolic and diastolic pressures and heart rate were recorded perioperatively. Unwanted side effects were recorded by the ward staff personnel on a 24‐h study‐specific questionnaire. Statistical tests consisted of Student's t‐test, chi‐square and anova as appropriated. Results: The number of patients complaining of pain was greater in group I compared with patients in groups II and III with a significative statistical difference (P < 0.05). The degree of postoperative pain was significantly higher in patients of group I compared with groups II and III (P < 0.05). Eight patients in group I needed rescue doses of morphine, three for group II and none for group III. In group I, three of eight patients required two doses of morphine during the first 249h postoperatively. No unwanted side effects were noted. Conclusions: The use of a single small dose of ketamine in a pediatric population undergoing tonsillectomy could reduce the frequency or even avoid the use of rescue analgesia in the postoperative period independent of whether used before or after the surgical procedure.     

右美托咪定滴鼻对患儿扁桃体腺样体切除术后恢复的影响

目的通过儿童自我报告术后恢复问卷(self-reported post-operative recovery in children,PRiC)分析术前经鼻滴入右美托咪定1μg/kg对患儿扁桃体腺样体切除术后恢复的影响。方法纳入行扁桃体腺样体切除手术的患儿100例,男65例,女35例,年龄4～12岁,ASAⅠ或Ⅱ级,随机分为两组:右美托咪定组(D组)和生理盐水组(N组),每组50例,分别于术前30 min经鼻滴入右美托咪定1μg/kg或等体积生理盐水。于术后1、3、7 d晨采用PRiC对患儿术后恢复情况进行评估。评估内容包括扁桃体术后恢复相关的23个条目,包括日常生活活动(睡觉、进食、玩耍),身体症状(头痛、耳痛、胃痛、咽喉痛、恶心、大小便情况)和情绪方面(情绪低落、噩梦)的评估,得分越高,表示在相关项目中的状态越差。同时于术前、术后1、3 d晨检测患儿血常规。结果术后1、3、7 d D组经常及频繁出现咽喉疼痛的患儿明显少于N组(P0.05)。术后1 d D组经常及频繁出现情绪低落,睡眠、进食、玩耍、交谈、刷牙、此刻的感觉表现为不好及非常不好的患儿明显少于N组(P0.05)。术后1 d D组白细胞计数明显低于N组(P0.05)。结论对于行扁桃体腺样体切除术的患儿,通过儿童自我报告术后恢复问卷获取的数据结果显示,术前30 min右美托咪定1μg/kg滴鼻对术后恢复有促进作用。     

扁桃体切除术在成人单侧扁桃体肿大病理诊断中的意义

目的探讨扁桃体切除术作为成人单侧扁桃体肿大患者常规活检方法的必要性。方法对1990~2005年我科收治成人单侧扁桃体肿大并进行扁桃体切除术患者的临床病历资料进行回顾性分析。结果116例临床资料完整患者被分析。其中31例术后证实为恶性肿瘤,占26.7%。其他结果为反应性淋巴组织过度增生、炎症反应、良性肿瘤、正常组织。结论对具有恶性肿瘤发生相关因素的患者,患侧的扁桃体切除术可以作为常规活检方法。有利于扁桃体恶性肿瘤的早期诊断和治疗。     

The rising rate of admissions for tonsillitis and neck space abscesses in England, 1991–2011

Introduction

Sore throats and tonsillitis represent a considerable health burden as well as a significant source of expenditure for the National Health Service (NHS). As part of the recent NHS savings drive, the introduction of ‘procedures of low clinical effectiveness’ (PoLCE) lists has reinforced a large reduction in the number of tonsillectomies performed. We carried out a cross-sectional study of trends in emergency sore throat admissions in the context of the number of tonsillectomies performed.

Methods

Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) data were extracted. Office for National Statistics data were also used.

Results

Between 1991 and 2011, the overall tonsillectomy rate fell by 44%. In the same time, the admission rate for tonsillitis rose by 310% (Pearson’s r=–0.67, p=0.01). The peritonsillar abscess admission rate rose by 31% (r=–0.79, p<0.01). Between 1996 and 2011, the overall tonsillectomy rate fell by 41% and the retro and parapharyngeal abscess admission rate rose by 39% (r=–0.55, p=0.026). There was a 14% overall increase in tonsillectomy and sore throat associated bed days. This was despite the large fall in tonsillectomy numbers and the reduction in length of hospital stay.

Conclusions

Efforts to reduce the tonsillectomy rate are correlated with a significant rise in emergency admissions. The rise in the retro and parapharyngeal abscess rate is perhaps most alarming given the very high mortality of these conditions. Bed day data suggest that no net saving has been made despite the new measures.     

帕瑞昔布钠和氟比洛芬酯用于小儿扁桃体和腺样体切除术的比较

目的观察帕瑞昔布钠和氟比洛芬酯在小儿扁桃体和腺样体切除手术术后的镇痛效果及副作用的发生情况。方法选择全麻下行扁桃体和腺样体摘除术的患儿60例,年龄5岁～8岁,按随机数字表法均分为3组（每组20例）：A组（帕瑞昔布钠组）、B组（氟比洛芬酯组）和c组（生理盐水对照组）。A组和B组于麻醉插管后手术开始前15min分别静脉注射帕瑞昔布钠1mg／kg和氟比洛芬酯1mg／kg,C组静脉注射生理盐水2ml。观察手术时间、拔管时间、苏醒期反应、恢复期疼痛评分、术中瑞芬太尼总量以及副作用。结果3组患儿手术时间、拔管时间和术中瑞芬太尼总量相比较差异无统计学意义（P〉0．05）;苏醒期躁动发生率：A组和B组患儿均为5％,C组为55％,A组和B组明显低于C组（P〈0．01）;术后各时间点的疼痛评分C组明显高于A组和B组（P〈0．01）;A组和B组均无恶心呕吐发生,C组恶心呕吐发生率为5％。结论帕瑞昔布钠和氟比洛芬酯用于小儿扁桃体和腺样体切除手术均可获得良好的镇痛效果,减少拔管期躁动的发生,且不延迟拔管时间。     

Acute cervical osteomyelitis and prevertebral abscess after routine tonsillectomy

BACKGROUND CONTEXT: Tonsillectomy is among the most commonly performed surgical procedures. The development of severe infection after tonsillectomy is a very rare but potentially fatal complication that has not been described in the orthopedic, neurosurgical, or spine literature. PURPOSE: To present acute cervical osteomyelitis and prevertebral abscess formation as a complication of a routine tonsillectomy. STUDY DESIGN: Case report, literature review. METHODS: A case report was prepared on the clinical and radiographic data of a patient presenting with prevertebral abscess and acute cervical osteomyelitis 6 weeks after routine tonsillectomy. A review of relevant literature was additionally performed. RESULTS: The patient presented 6 weeks after tonsillectomy with evidence of a deep cervical infection. Operative debridement with anterior and posterior surgical stabilization was performed. The patient completed a 6-week course of intravenous antibiotics. At 24-month follow-up, the patient showed no signs of infection and demonstrated a stable fusion mass. CONCLUSIONS: The development of prevertebral abscess and acute cervical osteomyelitis has been discussed in a small number of otolaryngology case reports and has not been previously reported in the orthopedic, neurosurgical, or spine literature. Symptoms may be nonspecific, and so a high index of clinical suspicion is needed. Delay in treatment may lead to significant morbidity and even mortality. Successful treatment can be obtained through operative debridement and intravenous antibiotic therapy.     

A multicentre audit of single-use surgical instruments (SUSI) for tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy

INTRODUCTION

Prions are resistant to conventional sterilisation procedures and, therefore, could be transmitted iatrogenically through re-usable adenoid and tonsil surgical instruments. Using disposable instruments would avoid the risk of transmission. We present the results of a complete audit loop using BBraun single-use surgical instruments (SUSI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a prospective multicentre audit. Surgeons were asked to fill in a standardised questionnaire recording details including postoperative complications, and evaluation of each piece of equipment compared with their own experience of conventional re-usable instruments. In the first cycle, constructive criticisms of the instruments were noted and the manufacturers modified the instruments accordingly. A second cycle of audit was subsequently undertaken.

RESULTS

A total of 86 patients were audited in the first cycle and 97 in the second cycle. Postoperative haemorrhage rate for both cycles was well within acceptable range. In the first audit cycle, surgeons generally found the Draffin rods, Boyle-Davis gag and bipolar diathermy forceps of poor quality and difficult to use. These were redesigned and, on repeat evaluation during the second audit cycle, were found to be just as good, if not better, than the re-usable instruments.

CONCLUSIONS

This study suggests that SUSI may be just as good as re-usable instruments. Furthermore, they may be more cost effective.     

超前镇痛在小儿扁桃体和腺样体切除术中的应用

目的 观察氟比洛芬酯、曲马多、氯胺酮用于全麻下小儿扁桃体和腺样体切除术后患者的镇痛效果及安全性,以及找到适合小儿短小手术的超前镇痛药物,从而减少小儿全麻苏醒期的躁动及减轻术后疼痛.方法 选择择期在全麻行扁桃体、腺样体切除术的患儿80例,年龄4岁～14岁,美国麻醉医师协会(ASA)分级I～Ⅱ级.采用完全随机双盲法将患儿分为4组:F组为氟比洛芬酯超前镇痛组,K组为氯胺酮超前镇痛组,T组为曲马多超前镇痛组,C组为空白对照组,每组20例.F组于手术开始前10 min缓慢静脉注射氟比洛芬酯1 mg/kg.K组于手术开始前10 min缓慢静脉注射氯胺酮0.5 mg/kg.T组于手术开始前10 min缓慢静脉注射曲马多2 mg/kg.C组于手术开始前10 min缓慢静脉注射生理盐水3ml.观察术后镇痛评分,苏醒期躁动评分,循环、呼吸、血氧饱和度变化及副作用.结果 术后苏醒期躁动评分F组、K组和T组明显低于C组.术后0hF组、K组、T组视觉模拟(VAS)评分和改良目的评分法(MOPS评分)分别为(0.6±1.0)和(0.8±1.0)、(1.9±1.9)和(1.8±1.7)、(0.8±1.4)和(0.8±1.3),均明显低于C组的(3.7±1.7)和(3.5±1.5)(P＜0.01);F组VAS评分在术后8h为(0.9±1.0)显著低于K组(1.8±1.7)、T组(1.8±0.7)和C组(1.7±0.7)(P＜0.01);F组MOPS评分为(0.3±0.7)在术后8h低于C组(0.7±0.6)(P＜0.05);F组和T组VAS评分在术后0h低于K组(P＜0.05).4组术后各个时点的循环、呼吸、血氧饱和度变化均在正常范围,F组血压在术后0h显著低于K组、T组和C组,组间比较差异有统计学意义(P＜0.01).4组均无心律失常、呼吸抑制、凝血功能异常发生,恶心、呕吐、头晕、烦躁、做噩梦、腹痛等副作用发生率4组之间差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05).术后睡眠不佳发生率C组高于F组(P＜0.05).结论 氟比洛芬酯、氯胺酮、曲马多均能有效减少苏醒期躁动,但氯胺酮、曲马多均未显示超前镇痛效果,氟比洛芬酯超前镇痛效果良好,作用时间长,能有效缓解小儿短小手术的术后疼痛,无明显副作用,可安全用于小儿短小手术的术后镇痛.     

A two-year follow-up observational study of the T-14 paediatric throat disorders outcome measure in tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy

IntroductionThe T-14 questionnaire is a validated patient reported outcome measure used to assess the value of paediatric tonsillectomy from the patient’s perspective. There are currently limited data revealing the long-term postoperative effects of tonsillectomy on quality of life in the paediatric population. A previously published study was therefore extended to provide additional data at 12 and 24 months following surgery.MethodsA prospective uncontrolled observational study was undertaken examining 54 paediatric patients undergoing tonsillectomy at Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust. Parents of children having surgery were invited to complete a T-14 questionnaire preoperatively as well as at 3, 6 (previously published), 12 and 24 months postoperatively.ResultsThe questionnaire was completed for 50 of the 54 patients preoperatively as well as at 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively, with 44 being completed at 24 months. The mean difference between the preoperative T-14 scores and the scores at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months following surgery were highly statistically significant (p<0.001).ConclusionsThis is the first study published in the literature to assess the T-14 questionnaire at 12 and 24 months following paediatric tonsillectomy, providing evidence of the ongoing benefit of patient reported outcome measures. This further confirms the value of tonsillectomy in the paediatric population and demonstrates its ongoing positive effects on quality of life.     

Efficacy of tonsillectomy pulse therapy versus multiple-drug therapy for IgA nephropathy

We evaluated the efficacy of tonsillectomy plus pulse prednisolone, warfarin, and dipyridamole including methylprednisolone pulse (tonsillectomy plus pulse therapy), versus prednisolone, warfarin, and dipyridamole including mizoribine (PWDM) for the treatment diffuse IgA nephropathy (IgAN) in children. The patients were randomly assigned to be treated by tonsillectomy plus pulse therapy for 2 years (Group A, n=16) or PWDM for 2 years (Group B, n=16). The clinical features and pathological findings in both groups were analyzed prospectively. The mean urinary protein excretion after 6 months of treatment in both groups had decreased significantly compared with pre-therapy. The activity index (AI) in both groups was lower at the time of the second biopsy than at the time of the first biopsy. The chronicity index (CI) in Groups A and B did not differ between the first and second biopsy. At the latest follow-up examination none (0%) of the patients in either group had renal insufficiency. None of the patients in Group A, but six patients in Group B experienced an acute exacerbation of IgAN as a result of tonsillitis (P<0.05). In conclusion, although there was no untreated control group in this study, the results suggested that tonsillectomy plus pulse therapy is as effective as PWDM in ameliorating proteinuria and histological severity in IgAN patients and in preventing acute exacerbation of IgAN by tonsillitis.