Is the Trend in Indications for Tonsillectomy and Adenotonsillectomy Really Changing?

Abstract

Objectives: Infection and obstruction are the most common indications for performing tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomy. In the past, infection was the main indication for these procedures; however, in the last few decades, obstruction is said to be more prominent as an indication when compared to infection. This study evaluates the changing trend in indications for tonsillectomy and adenotonsillectomies. Methods: This is a 2 year retrospective analysis of case records of patients aged 0-18 years who have had tonsillectomy or adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy performed in Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital. IBM SPSS (for Windows, version 19) software was used to analyze these data. Results: A total of 115 patient case records were reviewed. 33.9% were children under 3 years old, 60.0% were between 4-10 years, and 6.1% were between 11-18 years. Obstruction accounted for a total of 68.7% while infection accounted for only 31.3% of the indications for these procedures. There was a significant association between age groups and indications for adenotonsillectomies ( P = 0001, Phi and Cramer’s V = 0.363, respectively). Conclusions: Obstruction as an indication is proportionally higher in younger children, while infection is proportionally higher in older children.