Regional Variations in Kids’ Adenoid and Tonsil Operations
Image: YLE
While many children undergo pointless adenoid and tonsil removals, others in need of such operations are not receiving proper care, suggests a new doctoral dissertation on the matter.
The findings point to a disregard for standard treatment guidelines.
In some part of the country children’s adenoids and tonsils are unnecessarily removed. Western Finland sees twice the number of surgeries compared to eastern parts of the country. The research has been unable to explain the geographical variation.
“Adenoidectomies and tonsillectomies can lead to complications and even to death in young patients. Therefore, it’s important to be able to pinpoint the children that can benefit from the operation,” says Johanna Haapkylä, the author of the research.
YLE