Current Indications for Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy

Abstract

Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are currently the most common pediatric surgical procedures performed in the United States. Tonsillectomy may be effective in recurrent acute throat infection (acute tonsillitis), chronic tonsillitis, tonsillar hypertrophy, and peritonsillar abscess. Antimicrobial therapy may also be beneficial. Clinical trials evaluating children with obstructive adenoids are currently being evaluated; anecdotal evidence points to improvement in development and quality of life after surgery. The efficacy of adenoidectomy in paranasal sinusitis has not been evaluated in clinical trials; antimicrobial therapy or the possibility of upper respiratory tract allergy should be considered in such cases. For acute otitis media, recommendations range from no treatment in cases that will abate with time, to antimicrobial prophylaxis, to myringotomy with tympanostomy tube insertion, adenoidectomy with or without tonsillectomy, or a combination of adenoidectomy with myringotomy and/or tympanostomy tubes. The decision for or against otic and/or pharyngeal surgery should be individualized on the basis of severity, duration, and frequency of illness; previous treatment; and risk.