Removing tonsils for bed-wetting! Part 2

Unlike previous studies, this study was more rigidly controlled and all the children who underwent tonsillectomy for breathing problems were asked about their urinary problems. Also included in the study were children who underwent other types of surgery. 

The study showed that after 6 months, more than 50% of children remained dry, irrespective of the type of surgery.

Said Dr. Richard Rosenfeld of the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, "If your reason for doing the surgery is bedwetting, maybe give them six months, and see if they've improved."

However, the Doctor Rosenfeld added that this still does not rule out tonsillectomy and its role in bed-wetting. He went on to add that tonsillectomy mostly helps children with recent onset bed-wetting. He did not answer if he would recommend tonsillectomy for his children if they had bed-wetting!

So what should consumers do with children who have bed-wetting problems?

First, tonsillectomy is surgery and like any surgery has its fair share of complications. Tonsillectomy also costs thousands of dollars and then there is at least 1 week of recovery time.

 
Bed-wetting is a medical problem not surgical problem. The unethical surgeons claim that inflamed tonsils release substance(s) that cause urination, but there is no scientific proof for this belief. Moreover, when children with bed-wetting are evaluated, less than 10% have tonsillitis or enlarged tonsils. In addition, even after removing tonsils, more than 90% of children continue to have bed-wetting. Therefore, the first thing parents should do is avoid surgeons who want to remove tonsils as a treatment for bed-wetting. Instead, parents may want to try medications that may relax the bladder. Secondly, there are also bed-wetting alarms that may help wake up the child. 

Ultimately, the majority of children with bed-wetting simply grow out of the habit. On the other hand, after an unnecessary tonsillectomy you can even die.