Abstract
Most patients with the obstruction type of sleep apnea syndrome have adeno-tonsillar hypertrophy. Their pulmonary function is often greatly improved by tonsillectomy. Tonsillectomy was performed in 22 children, only one of whom had sleep disturbance as the chief complaint.
Pulmonary function was tested before and after the operation by arterial blood gas analysis and pulmonary function parameters.
PCO2 values did not change, but PO2 rose after the operation. Vital capacity changed little, but FEV1.0 was found to be decreased one week after the operation.
Therefore, the pulmonary condition, particullary the inspiratory function, improves after tonsillectomy in children without sleep disturbance.
