Sarcouncil Journal of Medicine and Surgery

Abstract: Background: Tonsillectomy, the surgical operation of tonsilllectomy to remove tonsils, is highly practiced as a cure for recurrent tonsillitis and sleep apnea obstructions among numerous other illnesses. As much as it has been greatly practiced, still, there still exists a large knowledge gap in the way it influences Iraqi patients' quality of life (QoL). Aims: This study aims to evaluate the QoL of Iraqi patients who underwent surgical tonsillectomy by quantifying demographic factors, postoperative outcomes, and procedure-related complications using validated assessment tools. Method: A cross-sectional observational study was conducted in 120 patients aged between 18 and 40 years with elective or urgent tonsillectomy undergone at a tertiary care center in Iraq from 2024 to early 2025. The demographic profile and pre- and post-operative QoL were assessed on the General Benefits Index (GBI) and on various questionnaires to assess physical, mental, and social functioning. Follow-up measurements were also conducted at one, three, and six months post-surgery, and analysis was carried out using SPSS version 25.Results: The pre-operative GBI score averaged 43.3 (SD = 9.2) and, post-surgery, increased significantly to 74.4 (SD = 7.5). There were marked improvements in quality of life on dimensions: physical health scores rose from 39.2 (SD = 12.6) to 79.5 (SD = 9.4), mental health from 44.1 (SD = 9.9) to 77.3 (SD = 7.8), and social functioning from 49.4 (SD = 8.7) to 81.2 (SD = 6.2). Complications were minimal; 75% had no complications, and 2.5% had severe bleeding. The risk of complications was greater in smokers (Odds Ratio: 2.50, 95% CI 1.15-5.42). Conclusion: Tonsillectomy significantly enhances the QoL of Iraqi patients by enhancing physical, emotional, and social health and maintaining the rate of complications at a low level.