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The impact of adenotonsillectomy on children’s quality of life
Author(s) -
Schwentner I.,
Schmutzhard J.,
Schwentner C.,
Abraham I.,
Höfer S.,
Sprinzl G.M.
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
clinical otolaryngology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.914
H-Index - 68
eISSN - 1749-4486
pISSN - 1749-4478
DOI - 10.1111/j.1749-4486.2007.01578.x
Subject(s) - medicine , tonsillectomy , adenoidectomy , quality of life (healthcare) , quality (philosophy) , pediatrics , anesthesia , nursing , philosophy , epistemology
Objectives: Although adenotonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the pediatric population, there is little known about its impact on Health‐related Quality of Life (HRQL). The aim of this study was to measure children’s HRQL‐benefit after adenotonsillectomy. Design and setting: The study was carried out as a retrospective postal survey utilising a proxy rating. Participants: In total, 447 parents of children who underwent adenotonsillectomy for the indication of chronic tonsillitis were included. 43% ( n = 191) of the parents returned completed surveys. Main outcome measures: To quantify the benefit after pediatric adenotonsillectomy the Glasgow Children’s Benefit Inventory (GCBI) was used. Results: Mean GCBI‐total score was 21 ± 19 (−8 to 77), showing an improvement in all GCBIsubscales. Conclusions: Adenotonsillectomy is a highly effective approach to treat children with tonsil disease. It has a positive impact on children’s HRQL and other areas not directly associated with their tonsil disease. Moreover, this improvement in HRQL is durable and not temporary.