Powered Intracapsular Tonsillotomy and Adenoidectomy in Infants ≤36 Months Compared to Older Children: A Retrospective Analysis

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and outcomes of powered intracapsular tonsillotomy and adenoidectomy (PITA) for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing in infants up to 36 months of age compared to older children. Methods: This retrospective analysis included children who underwent PITA from 2013 to 2019 at a single tertiary care medical center. The patients were divided into 2 groups: up to 36 months, and 36 to 72 months. The data were collected from electronic medical records and from a telephone survey based on a modified version of the OSA-18 questionnaire. Post-operative complications, and short- and long-term outcomes were compared. Results: A total of 48 patients met the inclusion criteria for the main study group (up to 36 months of age). They were compared to 59 children 36 to 72 months of age. There were no differences in subjective outcomes between age groups ( P = .65). There were no differences in the frequency of post-operative complications between age groups ( P = .8) or in the number of hospitalization days ( P = .91). Conclusion: The short- and long-term outcomes and safety of PITA for the treatment of sleep disordered breathing in infants up to 36 months of age are similar to those of older children.