Posttonsillectomy Weight Loss in Adults

Abstract

Objective

To analyze and determine the incidence and severity of weight loss in adult tonsillectomies.

Study Design

Case series with chart review.

Setting

Adult tonsillectomy is performed for a variety of indications. Anecdotally, patients report a 10- to 15-pound weight loss in the postoperative period; however, no supporting research has been documented. The pediatric population has a well-documented weight gain postoperatively.

Subjects

In total, 138 adults (aged 18-40 years) receiving tonsillectomy at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth (NMCP) between 2008 and 2013.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed using an S3 surgery scheduling system search of all adult tonsillectomies at NMCP between 2008 and 2013. A subsequent electronic medical record search (AHLTA) of preoperative and postoperative weights and demographics was performed.

Results

Data analysis revealed a significant difference found between preoperative and postoperative weight across all age groups (4.77 pounds, P < .005). Analysis of variance was performed to determine if there is a significant difference between these age and body mass index (BMI) groups. The highest amount of weight loss was observed in the oldest population group (5.72 pounds in subjects aged >40 years, 4.95 pounds in 31- to 40-year-olds, and 5.44 pounds in 20- to 30-year-olds, P = .03). Age comparisons were statistically significant. There was no statistically significant association between BMI and postoperative weight loss.

Conclusions

These results indicate that there is evidence of a roughly 5-pound weight loss in the postoperative period following tonsillectomy in adults with subsequent return to baseline weight after roughly 5 months. These findings are significant since this could lead to further research into changes in obesity-associated disease.