Outcomes using the T-14 symptom score for tonsillectomy in an Australian paediatric population

Background: Quality of life (QoL) outcomes after paediatric tonsillectomy can be assessed with diseasespecific patient reported outcome measures. Our aim was to assess a modified T-14 Paediatric Throat Disorders Outcome Test in an Australian paediatric population undergoing tonsillectomy. Methods: A consecutive case series was conducted in children (aged 1-16 years) undergoing tonsillectomy over a period of 15 months. T-14 questionnaires administered to the caregivers of the child pre-operatively and post-operatively (n=45) within 6-8 weeks of the procedure were included for statistical analysis. Preand post-operative T-14 scores were compared and analysed according to surgical indication [either sleep disordered breathing (SDB), recurrent tonsillitis, or both] and complications with non-parametric tests. Results: Post-operative scores demonstrated a global improvement for SDB (n=22), recurrent tonsillitis (n=12) and for both (n=11) indications (P<0.0001 each). High compliance with the T-14 was obtained with parents completing the questionnaire pre- and post-operatively. T-14 scores did not improve in 2 patients who had rhinitis and otitis media at the time of post-operative testing. Conclusions: The modified T-14 questionnaire is suitable for measuring parental reported health outcomes for paediatric throat disorders in patients undergoing tonsillectomy in the Australian population. The T-14 questionnaire demonstrates improvement in parental perception of their child's symptoms after tonsillectomy. It is easy to administer producing a high compliance rate.