Resolution of Diurnal Incontinence and Nocturnal Enuresis After Adenotonsillectomy in Children

Purpose: Adenotonsillar hyperplasia causes upper airway obstruction, leading to obstructive sleep apnea. We reviewed the incidence of nocturnal enuresis in a population of children with adenotonsillar hyperplasia. In addition, we investigated the rate of resolution or improvement in enuresis following surgery for relief of adenotonsillar hyperplasia.Materials and Methods: We studied 86 consecutive prepubertal children, 46 boys and 40 girls, who underwent adenotonsillectomy. Severity of adenotonsillar obstruction was graded on a scale of 1 to 4. A questionnaire regarding voiding problems, including nocturnal enuresis, voids per day and daytime enuresis episodes, was filled out preoperatively and postoperatively by the patients and their parents.Results: Among the 86 patients who underwent adenotonsillectomy 36 (42%) had nocturnal enuresis. In patients with nocturnal enuresis the number of episodes was significantly less after adenotonsillectomy. Overall, 12 patients (33%) had complete resolution, 11 (31%) ...