Adenotonsillectomy linked to more RTI visits - Report - MDSpire
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Adenotonsillectomy linked to more RTI visits

The findings suggest adenotonsillectomy should not be performed solely to prevent respiratory tract infections in pediatric patients.

  • By

  • Kathryn Wighton

  • September 11, 2026

  • 5 min

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Clinical Report: Adenotonsillectomy Linked to More RTI Visits

Overview

A retrospective cohort study found that pediatric patients who underwent adenotonsillectomy had increased odds of hospital visits for both acute upper and lower respiratory tract infections compared to nonsurgical controls.

Background

Adenotonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure in pediatric patients, often performed for recurrent respiratory infections and obstructive sleep-disordered breathing. Understanding the postoperative outcomes related to respiratory tract infections is crucial for guiding clinical decisions and patient expectations. This study provides insights into the potential implications of adenotonsillectomy on respiratory health in children.

Data Highlights

GroupAcute Upper RTI Visits Pre-SurgeryAcute Lower RTI Visits Pre-Surgery
Adenotonsillectomy79%72%
Controls71%69%

Key Findings

  • Pediatric patients who underwent adenotonsillectomy had higher odds of acute upper RTI-related visits during postoperative years 1 to 2 and 2 to 3.
  • Increased odds of acute lower RTI-related visits were observed in the first postoperative year and during years 1 to 2 and 2 to 3.
  • Subgroup analyses indicated higher odds of lower RTI-related visits among younger patients (0 to 4 years) during the first two postoperative years.
  • Influenza- or pneumonia-related visits showed no statistically significant difference between the adenotonsillectomy group and controls.
  • Findings suggest that recurrent respiratory tract infections alone are not a principal indication for adenotonsillectomy.

Clinical Implications

The study indicates that adenotonsillectomy may not lead to a reduction in respiratory tract infections.

Conclusion

Further research is necessary to fully understand the long-term implications of this procedure.

Related Resources & Content

  1. Jun Young Kim, MD, Journal of Rhinology, 2023 -- Adenotonsillectomy linked to more RTI visits
  2. MDSpire News — Factors Tied to Revision Adenoidectomy
  3. MDSpire News — Tonsillectomy: No Weighty Concerns for Kids
  4. MDSpire News — Remove Tonsils, Raise Mental Health Risk?
  5. Infection — Healthcare Utilization for Respiratory Infections in Pediatric Patients with Down Syndrome
  6. Factors Tied to Revision Adenoidectomy
  7. Tonsillectomy: No Weighty Concerns for Kids
  8. Clinical Practice Guideline: Tonsillectomy in Children (Update)
  9. Management of Persistent, Post-adenotonsillectomy Obstructive Sleep Apnea in Children
  10. A Randomized Trial of Adenotonsillectomy for Childhood Sleep Apnea
  11. Effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy in children with mild symptoms of throat infections or adenotonsillar hypertrophy: open, randomised controlled trial - PMC
  12. Surgical removal of the tonsils (tonsillectomy) for chronic or recurrent acute tonsillitis | Cochrane
  13. https://cme.inova.org/sites/default/files/media/2025-04/jamapediatrics_bakker_2025_early%20T%26A.pdf
  14. The Impact of Adenotonsillectomy on Respiratory Tract Infections in Pediatric Patients: A Comparative Study Using a Korean Nationwide Population-Based Cohort - PMC

Original Source(s)

Adenotonsillectomy linked to more RTI visits

  • by Kathryn Wighton

  • September 11, 2026

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