Clinical Study on the Efficacy of Tonsilloadenoidectomy

Controversies regarding the efficacy and indications for tonsilloadenoidectomy have existed for some time. The authors attempt to present an outline in the management of patients with tonsillar and adenoid diseases by carrying out a clinical survey on 1566 patients who had tonsilloadenoidectomy at the Department of Otolaryngology, Seoul National University Hospital, from January of 1981 to December of 1985. There were 217 cases that could be followed up and the survey consists of the indication for surgery, initial presenting symptoms and their changes over time after surgery, and complications of the surgery.The indications and the efficacy of tonsilloadenoidectomy have long been a matter of controversy. The main indications of tonsilloadenoidectomy are recurrent or chronic inflammation and some other conditions such as otitis media with effusion, mouth breathing, dysphagia, that are thought to be caused or influenced by the inflammation and enlargement of tonsil and adenoid.