Assessment of Indications, Co-Morbidities and Complications in Patients Pre- and Post-Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy - A Retrospective Study

BACKGROUND

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are the common procedures done by otolaryngologists all over the world. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the indications, complications and post-operative recovery in uncomplicated patients undergoing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy.

METHODS

A retrospective study was done in Mysore Medical College from May 2019 to May 2020 in patients attending ENT outpatient department who underwent tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy or both.

RESULTS

A total of 283 patients were selected for the study who underwent the procedure during the study period. Obstruction was the main indication for the procedure in the age group of 2 - 4 years accounting for 32 out of 37 cases (86.4 %), 107 out of 183 (58.4 %) in the age group of 4 - 10 years and 25 out of 63 cases (39.6 %) in the age group of 10 - 18 years. While infection accounted for highest number of cases in older age group, i.e., 38 out of 63 cases (60.4 %) in the age group of 10 - 18 years, 76 out 183 cases (41.6 %) in the age group of 4 - 10 years and only 5 out of 37 cases (13.6 %) in younger age group of 2 - 4 years. Obesity is the most common co-morbidity (22.9 %) followed by otitis media with effusion (15.9 %) and allergic rhinitis (7.7 %). Most common complication was fever (26.8 %) followed by delay in oral intake (22.2 %) and pain (16.6 %). All the patients recovered within 48 hours and were discharged.

CONCLUSIONS

Adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are safe, effective procedures. Obstruction is the major indication in younger age group which has been on the rise in recent few decades as opposed to infection which is the major indication in older age group children. Co-morbidity observed in the patients was obesity. Complications were easily detected and treated.