Tonsillitis Index, recommendation for tonsillectomy in recurrent/chronic tonsillitis

Abstract

A prospective study was conducted on 57 patients. The aim of this study is to find out
the concept of Tonsillitis Index as a clinical decision-making as a guide and indicator to
recommend tonsillectomy in patients with recurrent/chronic tonsillitis.
Data were collected, including the disease history data, based on the evaluation of the
severity of the recurrent tonsillitis and length of morbidity period. Microbiology reports
of tonsillar surface swabs, tonsil core specimens and blood culture reports were
collected. (Tonsillitis Index) to investigate whether there is a relationship between the
disease history of recurrent /chronic tonsillitis and the macroscopic signs of sclerotic
process in tonsils were evaluated. The statistical analysis of the study showed good
correlation between tonsillitis Index score >25 and sclerotic tonsils. Being sensitive in
92.31%, specificity in 77.4% and positive likely hood ration of 4.00 and positive
predictive value of 77.42%. The findings suggest that when the tonsils have deteriorated
functionally and when the Tonsillitis Index score >35, the tonsils have deteriorated
immunologically and the chance for resolution of recurrent / chronic infection is less
likely to occur. Hence tonsillectomy is an appropriate surgical option.