Adenotonsillectomy tied to increase in respiratory tract infections in children

A recent study published in the Journal of Rhinology has found that adenotonsillectomy (ATE), a surgical procedure to remove the adenoids and tonsils, is associated with an increased likelihood of hospital visits due to upper and lower respiratory tract infections (RTIs) in children. Led by Dr. Jun Young Kim from Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine in Seoul, South Korea, the researchers analyzed data from a Korean nationwide population-based cohort.

The study matched children who underwent ATE to a 1:5 ratio of surgical controls based on age and sex. The researchers discovered that the ATE group experienced higher odds of hospital visits for both upper and lower RTIs compared to the control group. However, there was no significant difference in the incidence of pneumonia between the two groups.

Upon further analysis, the study revealed that lower RTIs initially increased in younger children and later in older age groups. In boys, the rate of lower RTIs rose during the first and second postoperative years, while flu and pneumonia cases increased in girls during the second and third postoperative years. Among children without any preoperative infection history, the postoperative increase in RTIs was more pronounced.

These findings suggest that ATE may not be as effective in preventing long-term respiratory infections as previously thought. According to the authors, clinicians should carefully consider the potential benefits and risks before recommending ATE for pediatric patients.