Trends in Adenotonsillectomy and Myringotomy Before, During, and After the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

Background: Adenotonsillectomy and myringotomy are common otorhinolaryngological procedures, primarily performed in children and young adults. The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted healthcare systems worldwide, affecting the frequency and distribution of these surgeries.

Methods: To investigate trends in adenotonsillectomies, myringotomies, and ventilation tube insertions over a 5-year period, including the pre-pandemic, pandemic, and postpandemic stages, at the University Hospital Center in Zagreb, Croatia. A retrospective cohort study reviewing the records of 1340 patients was conducted. Of these, 691 patients underwent relevant surgical procedures during 3 defined periods (pre-pandemic, pandemic, and post-pandemic) and were included in the final analysis. Descriptive and comparative statistical analysis was used to assess surgical volume, age, and gender distributions across periods.

Results: Pre-pandemic, 344 procedures were conducted, decreasing to 53 during the pandemic, and rebounding to 294 post-pandemic. The average patient age increased from 11.8 years pre-pandemic to 19.66 years during the pandemic (P=.00017), and decreased to 9.2 years post-pandemic (P < .00001). Gender ratios shifted slightly, becoming more balanced during and after the pandemic. Adenotonsillectomies and tonsillectomies were the most performed procedures pre- and post-pandemic, with a significant reduction during the pandemic. Myringotomies with ventilation tube insertions followed a similar trend but showed slower recovery post-pandemic.

Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic led to a reduction in otolaryngological surgeries in children and young adults, a temporary rise in patient age, and a shift in gender distribution. While surgical volumes have largely returned to pre-pandemic levels, some procedures remain below baseline. These findings underscore the pandemic’s lasting impact on elective surgical care and the importance of planning in healthcare systems.

Cite this article as: Laba! N, Obrovac A, Baudoin T. Trends in adenotonsillectomy and myringotomy before, during, and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Balkan ORL-HNS 2025;2(3):59-63.