BMJ  2007;334:909 (5 May), doi:10.1136/bmj.39184.617049.80

Editorials

Recurrent pharyngo-tonsillitis

Tonsillectomy has some benefits over watchful waiting, but the net benefit is unclear and research into longer term outcomes is needed

The first 150 words of the full text of this article appear below.

In this week's BMJ, a randomised controlled trial by Alho and colleagues assesses the effectiveness and safety of tonsillectomy compared with watchful waiting in adults with recurrent streptococcal pharyngo-tonsillitis (three episodes of pharyngitis in six months or four in 12 months).¹ Although the minority of patients presenting to general practitioners with tonsillitis have recurrent tonsillitis, about 12% of the population has recurrent tonsillitis at some stage,² and a substantial familial element exists.² The trial found that tonsillectomy significantly reduced the recurrence of the principal outcome, streptococcal pharyngitis, at 90 days (1/36 (3%) v 8/34 (21%); adjusted relative risk 21%, 95% confidence interval 6% to 36%; number needed to treat 5, 3 to 16). A systematic review of tonsillectomy for chronic tonsillitis found limited data to support tonsillectomy in children and no data in adults,³ so the trial is the first to provide evidence to help doctors and patients decide . . . [Full text of this article]

University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Southampton SO16 55T

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