Adenotonsillectomy in children with mild symptoms: Watchful waiting may deny children opportunity for development

BMJ 2004; 329 doi: 10.1136/bmj.329.7473.1045 (Published 28 October 2004)
Cite this as: BMJ 2004;329:1045.1

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  1. Simon C Langton Hewer, consultant respiratory paediatrician (simon.langtonhewer@bris.ac.uk),
  2. Claire D Langton Hewer, otorhinolaryngology fellow,
  3. Yvonne Pamula, sleep physiologist,
  4. James Martin, consultant respiratory paediatrician,
  5. Declan Kennedy, consultant respiratory paediatrician
  1. Flinders Medical Centre, SA 5042, Australia
  2. Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville, Adelaide, SA 5011
  3. Women's and Children's Hospital, North Adelaide, SA 5006

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    Credit: DR P MARAZZI/SPL

    EDITOR—van Staaij et al report a large study examining the effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy in children with mild symptoms of throat infection or adenotonsillar hypertrophy.1 They conclude that adenotonsillectomy confers no major clinical benefits over watchful waiting.

    We are concerned that …

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