Otolaryngology--head and neck surgery : official journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
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Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg · Apr 1986
Comparative StudyRelief of upper airway obstruction by adenotonsillectomy.
Adenotonsillectomy is often performed to relieve upper airway obstruction, even in children who do not present with severe apnea. Although adenotonsillectomy provides dramatic relief from obstructive sleep apnea, little evidence is available as to the efficacy of surgery in the far more prevalent cases of partial airway obstruction. ⋯ Mouth breathing and behavior problems were also prevalent preoperatively and were affected positively by adenotonsillectomy. It appears that surgery in such cases can have far-ranging benefits, even for the child whose obstruction does not demonstrate severe apnea.