Paediatric quality-of-life following adenotonsillectomy: an evaluation of T14 paediatric throat disorder quality-of-life outcomes according to operative indication.

Introduction: Adenotonsillectomy is the most common surgical intervention for obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) or recurrent tonsillitis. The Paediatric Throat Disorder Quality of Life Outcome (T14) questionnaire is a validated tool completed by parents to compare the outcome of surgery by measuring the pre- and postoperative scores. This study was undertaken to evaluate the quality-of-life outcome in children undergoing surgical intervention for recurrent tonsillitis and/or OSA.

Methods: This was a prospective, uncontrolled study of 117 children who underwent adenotonsillectomy and tonsillectomy at a single tertiary ear, nose and throat department. An analysis of pre- and postoperative T14 paediatric throat disorder quality-of-life outcomes was undertaken at 12 months.

Results: Of the 117 children, 105 were included in the study sample; 75 with recurrent tonsillitis, 8 with OSA and 22 with both tonsillitis and OSA. All children had an improved T14 score postoperatively. The greatest change in pre- and postoperative T14 score was observed in the tonsillitis and OSA combined group (mean change -29.36, <0.001). However, an improvement in T14 score was also noted in the tonsilitis (-24.453, <0.001) and OSA groups (-14.25, <0.001).

Conclusions: This study found a statistically significant improvement in the T14 quality-of-life score at 12 months postoperatively in children undergoing adenotonsillectomy. This demonstrates improved parental perception of their child's symptoms for all operative indications of adenotonsillectomy.