Paediatric quality-of-life following adenotonsillectomy: an evaluation of T14 paediatric throat disorder quality-of-life outcomes according to operative indication

Abstract

Introduction Adenotonsillectomy is the most common surgical intervention for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or recurrent tonsillitis. The Paediatric Throat Disorder Quality of Life Outcome (T14) questionnaire is a validated tool completed by parents to compare the outcome of surgery by measuring the pre- and postoperative scores. This study was undertaken to evaluate the quality-of-life outcome in children undergoing surgical intervention for recurrent tonsillitis and/or OSA. Methods This was a prospective, uncontrolled study of 117 children who underwent adenotonsillectomy and tonsillectomy at a single tertiary ear, nose and throat department. An analysis of pre- and postoperative T14 paediatric throat disorder quality-of-life outcomes was undertaken at 12 months. Results Of the 117 children, 105 were included in the study sample; 75 with recurrent tonsillitis, 8 with OSA and 22 with both tonsillitis and OSA. All children had an improved T14 score postoperatively. The greatest change in pre- and postoperative T14 score was observed in the tonsillitis and OSA combined group (mean change −29.36, p<0.001). However, an improvement in T14 score was also noted in the tonsilitis (−24.453, p<0.001) and OSA groups (−14.25, p<0.001). Conclusions This study found a statistically significant improvement in the T14 quality-of-life score at 12 months postoperatively in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. This demonstrates improved parental perception of their child’s symptoms for all operative indications of adenotonsillectomy.