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MAJ Roy J. Moser III, MC, USA; LTC Krishnan R. Rajagopal, MC, USA

Arch Intern Med. 1987;147(7):1265-1267.

Abstract
• Tonsillar enlargement is a more common cause of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the pediatric population than it is in adults. The small number of reported cases suggests that tonsillectomy for adult patients with this association may be as successful as it is known to be for children. We compared polysomnographic findings and/or symptomatology both before and after tonsillectomy in six patients aged 22 to 52 years, who had adenotonsillar hypertrophy and OSA. Tonsillectomy provided lasting relief of OSA in four patients. We review the literature for available polygraphic data from similar patients before and after tonsillectomy. Our combined experience indicates that many adults with OSA can clearly benefit from removal of hypertrophied tonsils. Such success may, for some adults, be transient or may not occur. This should be considered during initial patient counseling and when planning postoperative follow-up.

(Arch Intern Med 1987;147:1265-1267)

Author Affiliations
From the Pulmonary Disease Service, Department of Medicine, and the Department of Clinical Investigation, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC (Drs Moser and Rajagopal) and the Department of Medicine, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Md (Dr Rajagopal).

Footnotes
Accepted for publication March 5, 1987.

The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the authors and are not to be construed as official or as reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.

Reprint requests to Pulmonary Disease Service, Walter Reed Army Medical Center, Washington, DC 20307-5001 (Dr Rajagopal).

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