OBJECTIVE: To determine the evidence for efficacy of tonsillectomy in reducing the incidence of recurrent pharyngitis. DATA SOURCES: Literature databases consisting of PUBMED, SCOPUS, CINHAL AND OVID EMBASE including all languages. REVIEW METHODS: Literature search of database by 2 authors with structured criteria using an online database. Selected studies evaluated with meta-analysis. RESULTS: In four randomized, controlled trials tonsillectomy was favored over medical therapy in reducing pharyngitis. The difference was statistically significant in only one study. Overall meta-analysis results were significant, indicating that tonsillectomy results in a reduction of about 43% in the incidence of pharyngitis. The number needed to treat with tonsillectomy to prevent one sore throat per month for the first year after surgery was 11 (95% CI; 7-23). CONCLUSION: Tonsillectomy reduces the incidence of recurrent pharyngitis to a modest degree.
OBJECTIVE: To determine the evidence for efficacy of tonsillectomy in reducing the incidence of recurrent pharyngitis. DATA SOURCES: Literature databases consisting of PUBMED, SCOPUS, CINHAL AND OVID EMBASE including all languages. REVIEW METHODS: Literature search of database by 2 authors with structured criteria using an online database. Selected studies evaluated with meta-analysis. RESULTS: In four randomized, controlled trials tonsillectomy was favored over medical therapy in reducing pharyngitis. The difference was statistically significant in only one study. Overall meta-analysis results were significant, indicating that tonsillectomy results in a reduction of about 43% in the incidence of pharyngitis. The number needed to treat with tonsillectomy to prevent one sore throat per month for the first year after surgery was 11 (95% CI; 7-23). CONCLUSION: Tonsillectomy reduces the incidence of recurrent pharyngitis to a modest degree.
Authors: Tanya K Murphy; Adam B Lewin; E Carla Parker-Athill; Eric A Storch; P Jane Mutch Journal: Pediatr Infect Dis J Date: 2013-08 Impact factor: 2.129