Quality of life in children and parental satisfaction after adenoidectomy ± tonsillotomy in long-time follow-up

Introduction:

In a preliminary study, it was shown that adenoidectomy ± tonsillotomy in preschool children was associated with a significant improvement of disease-related quality of life (dQoL) and high parental satisfaction. Now, it was checked if this benefit is also found in long-term follow-up.

Methods:

In total, n = 70 parents (n = 111) of the first study participated again in the questionnaire-based survey after 2.6 ± 0.47 years. All children had previously undergone an adenoidectomy ± tonsillotomy (34.3%) (mean age 6.2 ± 1.3 years, ♂ 63% ♀ 37%). Similar to the first study (mean follow-up 3.5 months), the general (KINDL questionnaire) and disease-specific QoL (OSA-18, Brouillette, GCBI), parental satisfaction and clinical symptoms were recorded.

Results:

Similar to short-term observation, dQoL significantly increased in the long-time follow-up (OSA-18: 57.2 ± 16.8 to 33.4 ± 11.86, p < 0.001). Furthermore, 94% (OSA-18) and 91% (Brouillette) of children showed a lower risk of obstructive sleep apnea postoperatively. In the GCBI a stable improvement in the dQoL was detected (1st follow-up 34.8 ± 26.48, 2nd follow-up 32.5 ± 24.58, p = 0.615). There was no significant change in general QoL (KINDL, p = 0.853). However, physical well-being, relationship with parents and self-esteem improved significantly (p < 0.05). Parent satisfaction and symptom improvement continued to be very good.

Conclusion:

The positive influence of adenoidectomy ± tonsillotomy on quality of life and the high parental satisfaction is also found in long-time follow-up.

Publication History

Publication Date:
23 April 2019 (online)