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Factors affecting quality-of-life impact of adult tonsillectomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  24 April 2009

T Koskenkorva ,
P Koivunen ,
T Penna ,
H Teppo  and
O-P Alho
T Koskenkorva*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Oulu, Finland
P Koivunen
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Oulu, Finland
T Penna
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Oulu, Finland
H Teppo
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Oulu, Finland
O-P Alho
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Oulu, Finland
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Timo Koskenkorva, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Oulu, PO Box 5000, FIN-90014 University of Oulu, Finland. Fax: +358 8 315 3459 E-mail: timo.koskenkorva@ppshp.fi
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Abstract

Objective:

To assess the quality of life of adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis after tonsillectomy, and to determine predictive factors for patient satisfaction.

Methods:

In a prospective cohort study, a Glasgow benefit inventory questionnaire was posted to 70 adult patients six months after tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis. Data were obtained on patient characteristics, risk factors, tonsillitis history, and clinical and operative findings. The patients were also assessed using self-completed diary data collection regarding acute symptoms (i.e. fever, throat pain, cough and rhinitis), tonsillitis episodes and visits to a doctor, either three to six months before tonsillectomy or six months after tonsillectomy. Predictive factors were sought for inclusion in the worst 30th percentile of patients (i.e. Glasgow benefit inventory score under 18), regarding post-operative change in quality of life.

Results:

Sixty-two patients (40 females, 22 males; age range 15–46 years) returned the questionnaire (response rate 89 per cent). The mean total Glasgow benefit inventory score after tonsillectomy was +26 (standard deviation 14). The mean scores for Glasgow benefit inventory subscales were: general health +25 (standard deviation 18), social functioning +5 (standard deviation 14) and physical functioning +55 (standard deviation 23). The only factors associated with low patient satisfaction were a small number of tonsillitis episodes (diary-based data) and days with fever before tonsillectomy.

Conclusions:

Adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis seemed to be generally pleased with their tonsillectomy. The more symptoms they had prior to surgery, the greater was their improvement in quality of life. No other patient- or disease-related factors were associated with patient satisfaction.

Keywords

TonsillitisTonsillectomyQuality Of LifeAdult
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 9 , September 2009 , pp. 1010 - 1014
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2009

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