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Assessment of clinical improvement and quality of life before and after tonsillectomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  20 May 2008

D Akgun*
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, UK
F K Seymour
Affiliation:
SpR in ENT Department of the Surgical Department, Charing Cross Hospital, London, UK
A Qayyum
Affiliation:
SpR in ENT Department, Luton, UK
R Crystal
Affiliation:
Studying Bachelor of Business in London University, UK
A Frosh
Affiliation:
ENT Department, Lister Hospital, Stevenage, UK
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Dilek Akgun, c/o Mr Frosh's Secretary, ENT Department, Lister Hospital, Corey's Mill Lane, Stevenage SG1 4AB, UK. Fax: +44 1438781218 E-mail: [email protected]

Abstract

Objective:

To assess clinical improvement and quality of life measures in patients who had undergone tonsillectomy for recurrent acute and chronic tonsillitis between March 2004 and March 2005.

Method:

A retrospective survey of all adults and children who had undergone tonsillectomy for recurrent acute and chronic tonsillitis. Patients were asked to compare their symptoms for the 12-month period before and after tonsillectomy.

Results:

A review of 100 patients revealed that, following tonsillectomy: their days off work (or school) due to sore throat reduced by 95.3 per cent (from a mean of 27.6 to 1.3 days; confidence intervals 89.7 and 99.6 per cent); their visits to their general practitioner due to sore throat reduced by 95.6 per cent (from a mean of 7.9 to 0.4 visits; confidence intervals 93.8 and 95.1 per cent); and more than 90 per cent reported improved feelings of well-being, general health and energy.

Conclusion:

We conclude that tonsillectomy is of benefit for patients with recurrent acute and chronic tonsillitis. Tonsillectomy significantly reduced general practitioner attendances and resulted in an improved feeling of health and well-being.

Type
Main Articles
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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Footnotes

Presented as poster at the ENT UK meeting, 7 September 2006, Royal College of Surgeons, London.

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