Planning adenotonsillectomy in children with obstructive sleep apnea: the role of overnight oximetry.

Objective. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in children is usually effectively treated by adenotonsillectomy (TA 22%) had no additional sleep studies before T&A. Timing of T&A was based on oximetry score, leading to a significant reduction in waiting time for surgery for those with higher oximetry scores. Postoperative respiratory complications were more common with increasing oximetry score. Conclusions. Overnight pulse oximetry can be used to estimate the severity of OSA, to shorten the diagnostic and treatment process for those with more severe disease, and to aid clinicians in prioritization of T&A and planning perioperative care.