The Effect of Adenotonsillectomy on Children's Quality of life

INTRODUCTION: Adenoid hypertrophy is the most common cause of chronic airway obstruction in children. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of adenotonsillectomy on sleep and behavioral disorders in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a prospective observational study, all children with an indication of adenotonsillectomy based on American Academy of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery criteria and sleep disorders referred to our otolaryngology clinic were enrolled and examined. Rutter Children’s Behavior (RCBQ) and Child Sleep Habit Questionnaires (CSHQ) were completed by the children’s parents both before and 3 months after the operation. RESULTS: A total of 44 children (25 boys and 19 girls) with a mean (standard deviation [SD]) age of 7.86± 2.26 years and mean (SD) body mass index (BMI) of 16.37±1.35 kg/m(2) were studied. Mean scores of RCBQ and CSHQ decreased significantly 3 months after adenotonsillectomy, and sleep habits and behavior improved significantly (P<0.05). Although there was no significant relationship between improvement of behavior and the gender, age or BMI of the children, there was a significant relationship between improvement of sleep habits and age as well as BMI (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: As adenotonsillectomy causes significant improvements in children`s quality of life (including sleep and behavior), it is recommended in children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy.