Routine Histopathological Examination in Patients of Adenotonsillectomies: Evaluation of Its Necessity

Abstract

Background: Tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy is a common otolaryngologic surgical procedure. The histopathological examination (HPE) of excised tissue after these surgeries is controversial. The study aimed to evaluate the necessity of histopathological analysis of excised tonsils. Materials and methods: The prospective study was performed between January 2017 and December 2018 on HPE results of 200 patients including children and adults, who had adenotonsillectomy in the Department of ENT at the tertiary care center, Kolhapur. Results: A total of 400 HPE results from 200 patients (150 children, 50 adults) were included in the study. HPE of all the excised samples was detected with submucosal hyperplastic lymphoid follicles, reactive germinal centers, and bacterial colonies in crypts. No malignancy was detected. Conclusion: Histopathological evaluation of excised tonsils is not necessary in the absence of associated risk factors. Clinical significance: The incidence of malignancy in excised tonsils or adenoids is very rare; therefore, routine histopathological examination is not necessary except in patients with associated risk factors. This will help reduce unnecessary costings and labor.