Obstructive Sleep Apnoea – Is Ethnicity an Independent Risk Factor, in Adenotonsillectomy Patients?

Adenotonsillectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgeries in Irish children’s hospitals. It is a major component of the paediatric otolaryngologist’s workload and with a high patient turnover; otolaryngology admissions account for a large percentage of bed occupancy in paediatric hospitals. The primary goal of this prospective surgical and clinical review was to assess the perioperative respiratory risks posed to the cohort. In addition, we aimed to evaluate the impact of rising obesity levels, and to assess changing demographic patterns in our clinics.We carried out a comprehensive review of the aetiology, pathology and risk factors for obstructive sleep apnoea in paediatric adenotonsillectomy patients. Specifically, we assessed the risks associated with a changing paediatric patient population.