A surgical solution for minor tonsil and adenoid problems is not better than simple TLC and waiting, according to a team of Dutch researchers.

A study of 300 patients found there was little difference in reduction of symptoms between the 150 children who had tonsillectomies and those that did not. In fact, during the 18 months following the procedures, there was no difference in the groups.

Experts say this research backs the trend of declining tonsillectomies in the United States, which dropped from more than 1 million annually in the 1970s to 250,000 that are now performed each year.

However, in other countries like the Netherlands, tonsillectomies remain the standard course of action for recurrent upper respiratory infections.

Some physicians have developed another strategy that involves the parents. These doctors encourage parents to monitor their children for unusual occurrences. They tell parents to administer anti-inflammatory drugs and analgesics, as necessary, to calm pain and fever.

Some experts add that there are cases when surgery is required.

One example they give is when tonsil or adenoid problems severely disrupt sleep and breathing. Other physicians set benchmarks for frequent problems such as a certain number of infections each year or consistent infections over time. Antibiotics may be prescribed but, according to research, they have limited effectiveness in these situations.

British Medical Journal September 11, 2004;329(7466) (Free Full Text Article)

Yahoo News September 10, 2004