Long-term Results of Tonsillectomy in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults

Long-term Results of Tonsillectomy in the Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Adults

Long-term results of tonsillectomy in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea in adults

The investigators are studying long-term efficiency of tonsillectomy in adults with obstructive sleep apnea caused by tonsillar hypertrophy. These patients have undergone tonsillectomy in 2004-2018 and now 3-17 years later investigators will perform new polysomnographies and compare these results with preoperative values. Especially the reduction in apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) will be evaluated. The quality of life and possible symptoms will be measured with questionnaires.

Inclusion Criteria:

• age at least 16 during tonsillectomy
• preoperative obstructive sleep apnea and AHI (apnea-hypopnea index) > 14
• tonsillectomy has been done because of the symptoms caused by tonsillar hypertrophy (ICD-10 diagnostic codes G47.3, R06.5 or J35.1)
• in addition to tonsillectomy, patients may have undergone shortening of uvula and/or radio frequency ablation of soft palate

Exclusion Criteria:

• AHI < 14
• in addition to tonsillectomy patient has undergone uvulectomy, uvulopalatoplasty, uvulopalatopharyngoplasty or mandibular advancement
• other, evaluated by investigator