NIH Study Finds Tonsil Removal Surgery Helps Children with Mild Sleep-Disordered Breathing

Adenotonsillectomy, the surgical removal of enlarged tonsils and adenoids, significantly lowers the number of medical visits and prescriptions in children with mild sleep-disordered breathing (SDB), according to a study funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Research published in JAMA Pediatrics found that children who underwent the procedure experienced a 32% reduction in healthcare encounters and a 48% decrease in prescription medication use compared to those who received supportive care without surgery.

SDB affects between 6% and 17% of children in the U.S. and includes symptoms ranging from loud snoring to occasional breathing pauses during sleep. While adenotonsillectomy is a common treatment for moderate to severe cases, its benefits for children with milder forms have been less clear. Previous research suggested the surgery could improve sleep quality and lower blood pressure in these children. The new study aimed to determine whether it also reduced healthcare utilization.

The study analyzed data from 459 children between the ages of 3 and 12 who were recruited from seven academic sleep centers across the U.S. between 2016 and 2021. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either an adenotonsillectomy or supportive care, which included education on sleep health and treatment referrals for allergies or asthma. After a one-year follow-up, researchers found that, for every 100 children who underwent surgery, there were 125 fewer medical visits and 253 fewer prescriptions filled, including medications for pain, skin conditions, and respiratory issues.

The study also noted fewer outpatient procedures and office visits related to sleep and respiratory issues among those who had surgery. However, researchers stated that the exact reasons why the surgery led to reduced healthcare use remain unclear. The findings support adenotonsillectomy as a beneficial option for children with mild SDB, potentially improving both health outcomes and reducing the burden on healthcare resources.

Article by multiple RFHC contributors, based upon information from the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

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