Efficacy of Low-Temperature Plasma-Assisted Unilateral/Bilateral Tonsillectomy and Adenoidectomy in Children with Obstructive Sleep Apnea Hypopnea Syndrome

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of low-temperature plasma-assisted bilateral or unilateral tonsillectomy (LTPABT or LTPAUT) and adenoidectomy in treatment of children with obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome (OSAHS). MATERIAL/METHODS: The present observational cohort study included a total of 244 children with OSAHS during December 2017 to December 2018. The patients were divided into the LTPABT group, the LTPAUT group, and the control group that received traditional bilateral tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy. The apnea hypopnea index (AHI) and the lowest oxygen saturation (LSaO(2)) were measured. The patients’ pain condition was determined using the Visual Analog Score (VAS) and intraoperative indices were collected. Patients’ quality of life was assessed by OSA-18 scale and patients’ immune function was determined. RESULTS: The postoperative VAS scores were remarkably lower in the LTPABT and LTPAUT groups. At 6 months after surgery, the AHI significantly had decreased and LSaO(2) levels were significantly enhanced for all groups, and the AHI was significantly lower and LSaO(2) was markedly higher in the LTPABT group. The ratio of patients with efficacy of cured and remarkably effective was remarkably higher in the LTPABT group. The rates of postoperative hemorrhage and infection were significantly lower in the LTPABT and LTPAUT groups, and 4 cases showed tonsillar hyperplasia. OSA-18 scores were lowest in the LTPABT group. No significant difference was found in levels of IgM, IgA and IgG, and T lymphocyte subtypes. CONCLUSIONS: The low-temperature plasma-assisted bilateral tonsillectomy combined with adenoidectomy had the best efficacy. None of the surgery methods influenced the patients’ immune function.