Wed, 21 Nov 2007 09:22:1
Isabelle Duerme - AHN News Writer
Utrecht, Netherlands (AHN) - Dutch researchers say that based on their study, the rush decision of removing a child's tonsils may not be the best solution.
The study, conducted by the University Medical Centre Utrecht in the Netherlands, concluded that as tonsils functioned to trap inhaled bacteria and viruses, the removal of these masses of tissue might not be as beneficial to children as what was initially thought.
The researchers gathered 151 children who were randomly assigned to have the operation within the following six weeks, and 149 children who were made to merely monitor their conditions, with the instruction of interventions should they be necessary. The children were from ages 2-8.
It excluded children suffering from frequent throat infections, and those whose tonsils had to be removed due to sleep apnea.
The study's epidemiologist Dr Erik Buskens revealed that the children who merely observed their conditions and did not resort to the operation had fewer annual doctor visits. Those who avoided the surgery also reportedly had fewer fevers, throat infections and respiratory complications, according to News-Medical.net
Dr. Buskens also mentioned the implications on medical costs.
Upon requesting the parents to record the costs needed for childcare, it was revealed that parents of children who did not have the operation had annual costs that were 46 percent lower than those of the parents of children who did.
"The balance between costs and effects in this population seemed unfavorable for adenotonsillectomy, with incremental cost-effectiveness ratios in excess of $423 per disease episode averted," the United Press International quoted a statement about the study's findings. "With time, the child's immune system matures and the difference in adverse episodes disappears."
Tonsillectomy is identified as one of the most frequent operations performed to children. However, the Dutch researchers noted a drop in the number of operations given in recent years.
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