The role of tonsillectomy in reducing recurrent pharyngitis: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To determine the evidence for efficacy of tonsillectomy in reducing the incidence of recurrent pharyngitis. DATA SOURCES Literature databases consisting of PUBMED, SCOPUS, CINHAL AND OVID EMBASE including all languages. REVIEW METHODS Literature search of database by 2 authors with structured criteria using an online database. Selected studies evaluated with meta-analysis. RESULTS In four randomized, controlled trials tonsillectomy was favored over medical therapy in reducing pharyngitis. The difference was statistically significant in only one study. Overall meta-analysis results were significant, indicating that tonsillectomy results in a reduction of about 43% in the incidence of pharyngitis. The number needed to treat with tonsillectomy to prevent one sore throat per month for the first year after surgery was 11 (95% CI; 7-23). CONCLUSION Tonsillectomy reduces the incidence of recurrent pharyngitis to a modest degree.