Article
Health related quality of life after tonsillectomy in adult patients
Search Medline for
Authors
Published: | July 6, 2010 |
---|
Outline
Text
Background: The efficiency of tonsillectomy in adult patients with chronic tonsillitis, as opposed to children, is controversial. Until now it has been based on retrospective studies and consequently not on a high level of evidence.
Material und methods: We conducted a prospective longitudinal study. A validated disease-specific quality of life measuring instrument (Tonsillectomy Outcome Inventory 16, TOI-16) for use in adults with chronic tonsillitis was used. The Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) was additionally employed as a general measuring instrument. Demographic data were also surveyed.
Results: 108 patients were included. Thereof answered 42 in all of the three follow-ups. All scales of the TOI-16 showed one year postoperatively a significant improvement of the patients evaluations. Also every scale of the SF-36 showed significant improvements. The comparison of the SF-36 evaluations with the German norm collective showed preoperatively a drawback for the patients in 7 out of 8 scales (except for the role-physical). Postoperative there was a clearly improved evaluation, whereas in 5 scales no more difference existed to the norm collective and the tonsillectomised patients stated in 3 scales (role-physical, physical-function, bodily pain) an improved quality of life compared to the norm collective.
Synopsis: Quality of life in adult patients with chronic tonsillitis is notably limited compared to healthy subjects. Through tonsillectomy there was a clear benefit for these patients concerning both the disease-specific and the general quality of life.