Prospective controlled study on post-tonsillectomy weight gain-by objective and subjective methods

Abstract

Objectives: This article reports on a prospective controlled study that challenges the aspect of weight gain in posttonsillectomy patients in both an objective and subjective manner. This study found that although there is increased oral intake in post-tonsillectomy patients there is also an increase in physical activity. Design: Prospective case controlled study Participants: A total of 100 patients between the ages of 2 and 14 years who underwent tonsillectomy were randomly selected, but 53 of them came for regular follow-up and were monitored for their growth by measuring their height and weight for 1-year post- tonsillectomy. The postoperative body mass index (BMI) Z score variation over three different time points was compared to controls. Questionnaires were used as a subjective method for analysis. Results: Statistical analysis failed to show significant weight gain in post-tonsillectomy patients compared to control group at 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Results of questionnaires were analyzed and showed that patients who confirmed an increase in oral intake and sleep also confirmed an increase in the level of physical activity.