Considering Tonsillectomy? Factor in Evidence, Clinical Judgment, Patient Preference

There are valid reasons for this surgery, said Dr. Rosenfeld, who concluded, I always tell my residents that the best tonsillectomy is one that is prudently avoided.

References

1. Paradise JL, Bluestone CD, Bachman RZ, et al. Efficacy of tonsillectomy for recurrent throat infection in severely affected children. Results of parallel randomized and nonrandomized clinical trials. N Engl J Med 1984;310:674-83.
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1. Burton MJ, Glasziou PP. Tonsillectomy or adeno-tonsillectomy versus non-surgical treatment for chronic/recurrent acute tonsillitis. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2009;1:DC001802.
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1. Burton MJ, Doree C. Coblation versus other surgical techniques for tonsillectomy. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2007;3:CD004619.
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1. Czarnetzki E, Elia N, Lysakowski C, et al. Dexamethasone and risk of nausea and vomiting and postoperative bleeding after tonsillectomy in children: a randomized trial. JAMA 2008;300:2621-30.
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1. Leff B, Finucane TE. Gizmo idolatry. JAMA 2008;299:1830-2.
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