A study of the clinical profile of patients undergoing tonsillectomy with or without adenoidectomy

Abstract

Background: Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy are among the most common otorhinolaryngological surgeries, indicated for recurrent tonsillitis, adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy, and obstructive sleep apnoea. Histopathological examination of excised specimens aids in confirming diagnosis and detecting rare pathology.

Methods: A prospective study was conducted at Gujarat Adani Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhuj, from June 2023 to November 2024. Seventy patients undergoing tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy were enrolled. Demographic profile, presenting symptoms, Brodsky grading, surgical details, and histopathological findings were analysed. Data were processed using SPSS v25.0.  

Results: The majority of patients were adolescents (11-20 years, 37.1%) with a female predominance (55.7%). The predominant symptom was throat pain (95.7%), followed by mouth breathing and snoring (12.9% each). Most patients presented with grade 3 tonsillar hypertrophy (74.3%), and symptoms of 1-3 years’ duration (71.4%). Bilateral tonsillectomy was the most common surgery performed (87.1%). Histopathological findings revealed chronic tonsillitis in 51.4% of cases, followed by chronic tonsillitis with actinomycetes (18.6%) and chronic lymphoid hyperplasia (15.7%). Rare findings included lymphoepithelial cysts (1.4%).

Conclusions: Chronic tonsillitis remains the leading indication for tonsillectomy, with strong correlation between clinical and histopathological features. Early recognition and surgical intervention yield favourable outcomes. Routine histopathology remains indispensable tool in excluding uncommon benign and malignant lesions.