Objective: This is a one year follow-up to compare the effects of partial tonsil resection using radiofrequency technique (RF), “tonsillotomy” (TT), with total tonsillectomy (TE) (blunt dissection). Obstructive symptoms, tendency for infections and health related quality of life (HRQL) were studied and compared with the HRQL-data from a normal population.

Method: The study-group consisted of 76 patients (16-25 years) randomized to TT (n=32) or TE (n=44) with obstructive throat problems with or without recurrent tonsillitis. Short-Form (SF-36) and EuroQul Visual Analogue Scale were used to evaluate HRQL. A questionnaire investigated the degree of obstruction and history of infections.

Results: Preoperatively both groups reported significantly lower HRQL in all dimensions of SF-36 compared with the normal population (p<.05- p<.001). After one year, a large improvement (p<.01- p<.001) in both groups in HRQL was found. No differences were found when compared with normal population or between the study-groups. The effect on snoring was the same for both groups and the rate of recurrence of infections was low and not higher in the TT-group.

Conclusion: Preoperative obstructive problems, in combination with recurrent tonsillitis have a negative impact on HRQL. Both TT and TE-groups demonstrate large improvements on HRQL, infections and obstructive problems one year after surgery, indicating that both surgical methods are equally effective. With its reduced post-operative complications, less pain, shorter recovery time, and cost reduction, tonsillotomy with the radiofrequency technique ought to be considered as the method of choice.