Obstructive adenoid tissue: an indication for powered-shaver adenoidectomy

A Comparative Study of Endoscopic Assisted Powered Adenoidectomy Versus Conventional Adenoidectomy

Adenoidectomy is one of the most common procedures performed in children today, either alone or in conjunction with tonsillectomy or insertion of ventilating tubes. The present study was planned to compare the endoscopic powered adenoidectomy versus conventional adenoidectomy. The present prospective observational randomized study was carried out in the Department of Otorhinolaryngology of a tertiary care teaching hospital of Rajasthan. Fifty patients with adenoid hypertrophy in the age group between 5-13 years were enrolled in the study and divided in to two groups viz. cases undergoing conventional adenoidectomy using curettage method (group A = 25) and cases undergoing endoscopic powered adenoidectomy (group B = 25). Intra operative time, primary bleeding, completeness of adenoid removal, depth of resection, and collateral damage were noted intra operatively in both the groups. Postoperative pain, recovery time, postoperative complications were also compared. Intra operative time taken in Group A was 25.6 ± 2.90 min while it was 35.04 ± 5.24 min in Group B. (p < 0.0001) Average blood loss in Group A was 18.4 ± 4.72 ml compared to an average blood loss of 29.32 ± 2.59 ml in Group B. (p < 0.0001) The postoperative recovery time in Group A was 4.93 days and it was 3.06 days in group B. (p = 0.00). The present study concluded that newer method of endoscopic powered adenoidectomy was found to be a safe and useful tool for adenoidectomy in terms of completeness of resection, better control of depth of resection and minimal collateral damage intra-operatively and less postoperative pain, complications and fast recovery period.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12070-023-03633-4.

A comparative study of two adenoidectomy technics for efficacy and safety: Conventional curettage adenoidectomy versus endoscopic microdebrider adenoidectomy

PURPOSE

Conventional cold curettage adenoidectomy (CCA) is the most used method for Adenoidectomy. With the advances in surgical instruments, endoscopy assisted less invasive techniques are coming into use. Herein we compared CCA with endoscopic microdebrider adenoidectomy (EMA) in terms of safety and recurrence.

METHODS

Patients who underwent adenoidectomy in our clinic between 2016 and 2021 years were included into the study. Study performed retrospectively. Patients operated with CCA accepted as GroupA and EMA as GroupB. Two groups compared for the recurrence rate and post-operative complications.

RESULTS

We studied 833 children aged between 3 and 12 years (mean 4,2 years old), had adenoidectomy, including 482 male(57.86 %) and 351 female (42.14 %). There were 473 patients in GroupA, and 360 patients in GroupB. Seventeen patients (%3.59) in GroupA had reoperation for the recurrence of adenoid tissue. There was no recurrence in GroupB. Residual tissue, recurrent hypertrophy, and postoperative otitis media rates were higher in GroupA, and this was statistically significant (p < 0.05). Whereas ventilation tube insertion rates didn't differ significantly (p > 0.05). Although hypernasality rate at second week was slightly higher in GroupB, this was not statistically significant (p > 0.05), and in further period it resolved in all patients. No major complications were reported.

CONCLUSION

Our study indicates that EMA is a safer technique than CCA, and prominent postoperative complications like residual adenoid tissue, recurrent adenoid hypertrophy, and postoperative otitis media with effusion rates are lower.

Endoscopic Adenoidectomy Replacing the Outdated Curette Adenoidectomy: Comparison of the Two Methods at a Tertiary Care Centre

To compare intraoperative and postoperative parameters of the two techniques of adenoidectomy, endoscope and microdebrider powered adenoidectomy and conventional adenoidectomy. Study Design Prospective study. Setting: Academic tertiary referral centre. In our study, cases of adenoid hypertrophy were randomly selected from the outpatient department of department of ORL & HNS. Out of these patients, 30 underwent Endoscopic adenoidectomy (EA) (Group A) and 30 underwent Conventional adenoidectomy (CA) (Group B). All of the patients were assessed pre-operatively, intra-operatively and post-operatively to compare the various parameters. The most common complaint in both the groups was mouth breathing with snoring. Intra-operative bleeding was 29.15 ml in group EA and 15.2 ml in group CA. Operative time for CA was shorter at 21.8 min as compared to 32.1 min for group EA. Residual adenoids and injury to adjacent structures were more common in group CA. Hospital stay was 3.2 days for EA patients and 3.43 days for CA patients. Resolution of symptoms was near comparable in both groups. Operative time and intra-operative bleeding are both significantly reduced with the CA as opposed to EA. However, injury to adjacent structures and residual adenoids occur significantly less in group EA. After weighing the risks and benefits, we can conclude that EA is comparatively better than CA.

Endoscopic Adenoidectomy with Microdebrider

To evaluate the role of microdebrider in patients undergoing endoscopic adenoidectomy. Prospective interventional study. Tertiary referral hospital. Twenty patients requiring adenoidectomy were included in the study. Mean operative time was found to be 31.5 min. Mean blood loss was 29.45 ml. All the patients had complete removal of adenoid mass. None of the patients had any kind of collateral damage. It gives a complete clearance of obstructive adenoids under vision thus providing reliable restoration of nasopharyngeal patency.

Comparison of Conventional Curettage Adenoidectomy Versus Endoscopic Powered Adenoidectomy: A Randomised Single-Blind Study

Globally adenoidectomy is increasingly being performed in isolation for children who have middle ear effusion or chronic otitis media, chronic rhinosinusitis and nasopharyngeal obstruction causing sleep apnoea and mouth breathing. Several techniques have been described lately including endoscopic powered adenoidectomy with debrider. The present study was undertaken to compare the effectiveness of endoscopic powered adenoidectomy (EA) with respect to conventional adenoidectomy (CA). It is a prospective study of 60 patients requiring adenoidectomy consisting of 33 males and 27 females randomized into group A with 30 patients undergoing conventional adenoidectomy with curette and 30 patients undergoing endoscopic powered adenoidectomy with micro-debrider. The demographic data (age, sex, adenoid hypertrophy grade assessed by Clemens and Mcmurray scale) in both groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, significant differences were observed in mean operative time of both groups (CA-29.12 ± 6.70, EA-37.80 ± 6.90 min, p < 0.05). The intra-operative blood volume loss was 21.30 ± 5.80 ml, 28.24 ± 6.93 ml in CA and EA respectively. No significant difference was seen in post-operative pain assessed by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) (p-0.39). Complete removal of adenoids was seen in 83.3% cases with EA versus 53.3% with CA (p < 0.05). The residual adenoids noted after the CA and EA in Grade I was 23.3% and 13.3% respectively while in CA, grade II with 16.7% and grade III with 6.7% cases had residual adenoids. Injury to surrounding structure was seen in 16.7% and 10% of CA and EA respectively. However, no difference in complication rate was observed between the study groups (p > 0.05). We conclude that endoscopic powered adenoidectomy is more complete, accurate, with less post-operative pain and lower incidence of recurrence in comparison with conventional adenoidectomy.

Outcomes of adenoidectomy with and without tonsillectomy in patients younger than 2 years with moderate to severe upper airway obstruction

OBJECTIVES

The effectiveness of adenotonsillectomy for obstructive sleep disorder breathing (OSDB) in children under age 2 years is unclear. The present study aimed to identify the perioperative symptoms and clinical outcomes of adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy in very young children.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

The present, single-center, retrospective cohort study, conducted from January 2010 to April 2020, enrolled patients under age 2 years with moderate to severe upper airway obstruction who underwent an adenoidectomy or tonsillectomy. The patients were divided according to The Brodsky grading scale into group 1 (Grade 0 to 1 tonsils) or group 2 (Grade 2 or higher tonsils), who received only an adenoidectomy. Group 3 comprised patients with a concomitant adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy. Perioperative symptoms among the groups and the cumulative revision-free status and recurrence-free status rates in groups 1 and 2 were analyzed.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were enrolled. The median standard deviation score (SDS) for height and weight was -0.79 and -0.31, respectively. No postoperative complications, such as bleeding, were observed. However, two patients underwent intubation preoperatively due to severe obstruction. Seven patients underwent revision surgery. The cumulative revision-free and recurrence-free rates at week 60 were 81% and 100% for Group 1 and 42% and 48.5% for Group 2, respectively. The cumulative revision-free rate and cumulative recurrence-free rate were significantly higher in Group 1 (P < 0.0001; HR: 47.9; 95% CI: 1.12-2050 and P < 0.007; HR: 4.62; 95% CI: 1.37-15.6, respectively). None of the patients in Group 3 had revision surgery or symptom recurrence.

CONCLUSION

Simple adenoidectomy in children with large tonsils carries a high risk of revision surgery. However, given the high risk of severe obstruction in very young children with OSDB, timely surgery is recommended.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

3.

Telemedicine for a Multidisciplinary Assessment of Orofacial Pain in a Patient Affected by Eagle’s Syndrome: A Clinical Case Report

Background:

Orofacial pain has a broad range of origins and a multidisciplinary approach occupies a relevant role.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to review the literature regarding the evolution of telemedicine and orofacial pain related to a case report of a patient affected by Eagle's syndrome.

Materials and Methods:

Two authors (RJM and SG) independently reviewed the literature up to March 2020. A case report was developed by including the interdisciplinary assessment and initial treatment of orofacial pain in a 38-year-old female patient affected by Eagle’s syndrome. The patient was interviewed by two different specialists (from Rome, Italy and Los Angeles, California) through an online meeting platform in order to evaluate her complex situation, demonstrating the possibilities that telemedicine offered during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Conclusion:

An interdisciplinary approach can be performed for future follow ups on patients as various advantages were found by the patient and by the clinicians themselves.

Adenoidectomy: Anatomical variables as predictive factors of intraoperative adenoid residues

OBJECTIVES

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common cause of upper airway obstruction in children. However, after adenoidectomy, nasal obstructive symptoms may persist or recur, requiring surgical revision. The aim of this study is to evaluate if individual patient features can influence the efficacy of the traditional technique.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted by recruiting patients from candidates for adenoidectomy. All children underwent conventional transoral curettage adenoidectomy with endoscopic control at the end of procedure, and in presence of adenoid residues, a concomitant revision adenoidectomy was performed. For each patient, the following data were collected: age, sex, weight, height, length of the soft palate and surgical technique used.

RESULTS

In 18% of patients (113/612), the most critical areas of the nasopharynx were not reached by standard surgery, making a complete adenoidectomy difficult. In this group, the average length of the soft palate was 3.1 cm, 5 mm more than the average of the sample, and 6 mm more than the average length of patients undergoing standard surgery alone (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Our study confirms the hypothesis that a greater length of the soft palate conditions the results of the intervention. The length of the soft palate can be considered an intraoperative criterion to select the cases in which perform endoscopic control after the standard procedure.

The benefits of endoscopic look after curettage adenoidectomy

Background

Conventional curettage adenoidectomy (CCA) has a risk of incomplete removal of all adenoid tissue, and digital nasopharyngeal palpation is not enough to assess adenoid removal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the benefits of trans-oral endoscopic look of the nasopharynx (ELN) after CCA.

Results

This prospective study included 1900 children with adenoid hypertrophy. CCA was used for treatment, followed by ELN. Bleeding points and/or adenoid tissue remnants were recorded and managed. One year postoperatively, nasal endoscopy was performed to detect adenoid regrowth. ELN showed bleeding points in 17 patients (0.9%) and residual adenoid tissue remnants in 855 patients (45%). Intraoperatively, the lesions were cauterized and ablated under visualization. However, adenoid regrowths were detected in 263 (42%) out of 627 children (33%) who were subjected to endoscopic examination after 1 year of adenoid removal.

Conclusions

Trans-oral endoscopic look of the nasopharynx after CCA is a beneficial method in detection of adenoid remnants and bleeding points. Also, it could decrease symptomatic adenoid regrowth postoperatively.

Incidence and potential risk factors for adenoid regrowth and revision adenoidectomy: A meta-analysis

AIMS

To examine the potential risk factors for adenoid regrowth and the incidence of revision adenoidectomy.

METHODOLOGY

The English-language literature published from January 1995 to January 2020 regarding adenoid regrowth and revision adenoidectomy was reviewed. The keywords used were 'adenoids', 'adenoid regrowth' and 'revision adenoidectomy'. The inclusion criteria were English language, sample size greater than five and presentation of extractable data on risk factors for adenoid regrowth and rates of revision adenoidectomy. Random-effects modelling was used to estimate summary outcomes.

RESULTS

Twenty studies met the inclusion criteria. There was a total of 143369 cases of baseline adenoidectomies. The mean age at primary surgery was 4.62 years (SD = 1.47 years, range of 2.3-7.3 years) and the mean age at revision adenoidectomy was 5.43 years (SD = 1.80 years, range of 2.5-7.6 years). Six studies reported on adenoid regrowth and a total of 4950 baseline adenoidectomies were examined. The prevalence of adenoid regrowth was 8%. Fifteen studies examined the rate of revision adenoidectomy and a total of 119369 baseline adenoidectomies were analysed. The revision adenoidectomy rate was 2%. Of the patients with revision adenoidectomy, 14% had allergic rhinitis and 9% had asthma. With regards to indications for revision adenoidectomy, 26% had OSA, 86% were snorers, 63% had nasal obstruction, 32% had recurrent AOM and 73% had OME.

CONCLUSION

The combined revision adenoidectomy rate from this study is 2%. Young age at first surgery was prevalent as well as co-morbidities of allergic rhinitis and asthma and indications for primary adenoidectomy like upper airway obstructive symptoms and middle ear disease. However, given the heterogeneity of these studies, direct cause and effect could not be concluded.

Comparison of transnasal and transoral routes of microdebrider combined curettage adenoidectomy and assessment of endoscopy for residue: a randomized prospective study

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to investigate the frequency and locations of residual adenoid tissue in conventional curettage adenoidectomy (CA) via transnasal endoscopic examination at the end of the operation and to determine the most appropriate technique for residual adenoid tissue removal by transoral or transnasal microdebrider usage.

METHODS

Sixty-three patients aged 4-12 years who were scheduled for CA were included in this randomized prospective study in a tertiary reference center. Patients who underwent CA had the endoscopic residual tissue exploration at the end of surgery. The amount and locations of residual tissue were recorded. Patients with > 20% residual tissue were divided into two groups according to randomization list for removing the residual tissue, depending on the use of transoral microdebrider (TOMD) and transnasal microdebrider (TNMD). Two procedures were compared in terms of duration, bleeding, pain, post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) transfer time, and complications.

RESULTS

Residual tissue was detected in 38 patients (60.2%). The most common location of residual tissue was peritubal area (41.3%). The TOMD group had lower surgical duration, blood loss, pain scores and shorter PACU transfer time (p = 0.001, p = 0.002, p˂0.001, and p = 0.006, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic exploration at the end of CA should be considered to avoid residual tissue retention. Furthermore, if residual tissue is present, the use of TOMD is easier, faster, and associated with lower morbidity than the use of TNMD.

Comparison between curettage adenoidectomy and endoscopic-assisted microdebrider adenoidectomy in terms of Eustachian tube dysfunction

INTRODUCTION

Adenoidectomy can be performed with many ways, including curettage and microdebrider endoscopic-assisted adenoidectomy. Those two techniques have advantages and disadvantages.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to research the effects of curettage adenoidectomy and endoscopic-assisted microdebrider adenoidectomy on the tympanum pressures in pediatric patients with adenoid hypertrophy without otitis media with effusion.

METHODS

This prospective descriptive study was performed with 65 patients who had a normal tympanic membrane and normal tympanogram and then underwent adenoidectomy or adenotonsillectomy for adenoid and tonsil hypertrophy. The subjects were randomly divided into two groups: curettage adenoidectomy group and endoscopic microdebrider-assisted adenoidectomy group. They underwent tympanometry, and the preoperative as well as 1st and 7th day postoperative values of the tympanum pressures were compared within and among the groups.

RESULTS

There were 32 patients in the curettage adenoidectomy group and 33 patients in the microdebrider adenoidectomy group. Statistically significant differences were observed in the median tympanum pressure on the preoperative and 1st and 7th postoperative days for both the left and right ears with curettage adenoidectomy (p<0.001, p<0.001). This difference occurred on the 1st postoperative day, and the value returned to normal on the 7th day. There was no significant difference in the median tympanum pressure on the preoperative and 1st and 7th postoperative days for both the left and right ears in the microdebrider adenoidectomy group (p=0.376, p=0.128).

CONCLUSION

Postoperative Eustachian tube dysfunction is seen less often with the endoscopic-assisted microdebrider adenoidectomy technique than with the conventional adenoidectomy technique.

Partial Adenoidectomy in Patients With Palatal Abnormalities

BACKGROUND

Velopharyngeal insufficiency is a feared complication of adenoidectomies in patients with palatal abnormalities. Thus, the benefits of adenoidectomy in this population are less understood. The techniques of partial adenoidectomy aim to preserve velopharyngeal closure while sufficiently debulking the nasal airway to ameliorate obstruction and snoring.

METHODOLOGY

Systematic review of online databases using a combination of search terms including "cleft palate," "submucosal cleft palate," "short palate," "adenoidectomy," "partial adenoidectomy," "subtotal adenoidectomy," and "powered adenoidectomy." Two independent reviewers assessed the eligibility of each study based on predefined inclusion criteria.

RESULTS

From 323 studies identified, 8 were included. All were retrospective case series, except 1 prospective study. Study period ranged from 1.1 to 14 years (median 7.5 years). There were 172 patients with a cleft palate (n = 80), submucous cleft palate (n = 67) or another defined palatal abnormality [short soft palate (n = 14), bifid uvula (n = 4), questionable palatal mobility (n = 4) or incomplete CP (n = 3)] identified. Mean age was 5.5 years and just over half were male (58%). Nearly all patients showed improvement in nasal airway obstruction and snoring. The pooled risk for velopharyngeal insufficiency across all studies was 2 out of 122, which approximates to 1.6% of patients. There were very few complications.

CONCLUSION

This is the first systematic review of partial adenoidectomy in patients with palatal abnormalities. Sub-total adenoidectomy in patients with submucosal cleft palate or repaired cleft palate appears to be a safe and efficacious procedure. There is; however, a need for prospective data collection using a standardized technique in large patient series required to properly assess outcomes.

Endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy versus conventional adenoidectomy – a randomised controlled trial

Objective

To compare endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy with conventional curettage adenoidectomy.

Methods

A randomised controlled trial was conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital. Fifty patients with a symptom complex pertaining to adenoid hypertrophy and requiring adenoidectomy were chosen and divided into 2 groups of 25 each. Patients in group A underwent conventional curettage adenoidectomy and those in group B underwent endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy. Comparison was based on the parameters of surgical time, intra-operative bleeding, post-operative pain and completeness of adenoid removal.

Results

The surgical time was significantly longer with the powered instrument. Mean blood loss was greater in the powered group, but was statistically insignificant. The powered procedure fared significantly better, with lower pain scores and more instances of complete tissue resection.

Conclusion

A curved microdebrider blade can be used safely and precisely for adenoidectomy under endoscopic vision. It enables complete resection of adenoid tissue. This method also proves to be an excellent teaching aid.

Curettage adenoidectomy versus endoscopic microdebrider adenoidectomy in children: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Adenoidectomy is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures with different techniques and technologies. Although curettage adenoidectomy (CA) has been practiced conventionally for many years, endoscopic microdebrider adenoidectomy (EMA) has emerged as an innovative surgical method. Comparing physiological effects, efficacy and safety of the endoscopic microdebrider adenoidectomy (EMA) and curettage adenoidectomy (CA) in pediatric population is aimed with this prospective, single-blind, randomized, controlled trial.

METHODS

Sixty pediatric patients with type-A tympanogram according to Jerger classification in both ears before surgery were randomly assigned to receive the CA (n = 30) and the EMA (n = 30). Tympanometry evaluation for each ear was performed the day before surgery firstly and was repeated on days 1, 7 and 14 after surgery. Intraoperative time, complications during and after the operation were recorded. Postoperative pain was also evaluated for 10 days postoperatively.

RESULTS

Tympanometric evaluation revealed significantly reduced middle ear peak pressure levels with the EMA than with the CA for each ear on day 1 after surgery and for only left ear on day 7 after surgery (P < 0.05). In addition, statistically significant reduced pain scores in postoperative first 3 days were related to the EMA (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the methods in terms of duration of surgery and complications.

CONCLUSION

According to findings from this study, the EMA procedure may be as safe and rapid as the CA. Furthermore, the EMA may be more controlled and less invasive to the surrounding tissues. Further studies are advised to support these data.

Comparative analysis of conventional cold curettage versus endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy

Objective

To compare conventional cold curettage adenoidectomy with endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy in terms of operative time, primary blood loss, post-operative residual tissue and post-operative pain.

Methods

This prospective non-randomised study was carried out on 60 patients aged 5–12 years. One group underwent conventional cold curettage adenoidectomy and the other underwent endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy, with 30 patients per group.

Results

Mean operation duration was significantly higher for endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy. Mean blood loss was 44.33 ml in conventional cold curettage adenoidectomy and 32.47 ml in endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy. The pain grade was significantly lower in endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy. Forty per cent of patients who underwent conventional cold curettage adenoidectomy had adenoid tissue post-surgery, while it was completely absent in endoscopic assisted coblation adenoidectomy patients.

Conclusion

Coblation adenoidectomy has significant advantages over conventional adenoidectomy in terms of reduced blood loss, no post-operative residual tissue and lower pain grade on day 1 after surgery.

Video Nasoendoscopic-Assisted Transoral Adenoidectomy with the PEAK PlasmaBlade: A Preliminary Report of a Case Series

Objectives. The primary objective for this study is to evaluate the advantages, disadvantages, surgical applicability, and outcome of the pulsed electron avalanche knife (PEAK) PlasmaBlade in transoral adenoidectomy under direct visualization using video nasoendoscopy. Patients and Methods. In this series, six cases of adenoid hypertrophy showing varying clinical presentations in relation to its clinical course were surgically treated using a PEAK PlasmaBlade. Before and after surgery, all patients underwent nasal endoscopy to define the grading of hypertrophic adenoids and postoperative outcome. Pure tone audiometry and tympanometry tests were carried out to investigate the change in middle and inner ear functions. Results. The mean follow-up period was 23.8 months. Postoperatively, symptoms of otitis media with effusion were all relieved with closure of the air-bone gap (6/6). Other relevant ear complaints like tinnitus were resolved (1/1) and aural fullness disappeared in 87.5% of ears (7/8). Nasal obstruction (2/2) and postnasal drip (2/2) were improved after surgery. Conclusions. Based on this preliminary report of a case series in a limited sample size, we suggest that using the transoral PEAK PlasmaBlade for adenoidectomy guided by video nasoendoscopy is a safe and feasible surgical technique, allowing remarkable outcomes by providing precise tissue removal, effective hemostasis, and painless postoperative recovery.

Combined Conventional and Endoscopic Microdebrider-Assisted Adenoidectomy: A Tertiary Centre Experience

INTRODUCTION

Adenoidectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in children. Conventional adenoidectomy is associated with incomplete adenoid tissue removal with persistence of symptoms. The advent of rigid nasal endoscopes, cold light source, fiber optics and powered instruments used in functional endoscopic sinus surgery helped in the development of endoscopic microdebrider-assisted adenoidectomy.

AIM

To establish the safety and efficacy of combined conventional and endoscopic microdebrider-assisted adenoidectomy procedure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a prospective study of 60 child patients who underwent combined conventional and endoscopic microdebrider-assisted adenoidectomy. The study was conducted from September 2013 to September 2015. Only child patients with grade 3 and grade 4 Adenoid Hypertrophy (AH) was included in the study. At the end of conventional adenoidectomy and after combined procedure, the AH was graded again. Post-operative complications like neck pain, hypernasality and swallowing problems were noted. Their symptom score was reviewed before surgery and after one month and one year of surgery. The duration of surgery and amount of blood loss was recorded.

RESULTS

By this technique, complete clearance of adenoid tissue was obtained in all 60 (100%) cases. The mean pre-operative symptom score for AH was 3.7, which improved to 0 after one month of combined conventional and endoscopic microdebrider-assisted adenoidectomy. All child patients were symptom-free at the end of one month and one year. The duration of conventional adenoidectomy was 5 minutes 12 seconds while total duration of the combined conventional and endoscopic microdebrider-assisted adenoidectomy was 14 minutes 45 seconds. There was no significant blood loss (15±3 ml approximately). There were no major complications in this study.

CONCLUSION

The combined approach of conventional curette along with endoscopic microdebrider-assisted adenoidectomy is a safe and effective method for complete and accurate removal of large adenoids.

Defining the Surgical Limits of Adenoidectomy so as to Prevent Recurrence of Adenoids

This study aims to define the surgical boundaries of adenoidectomy by demonstrating that recurrence of adenoids and its symptoms can be avoided if a complete adenoidectomy is performed, by following these surgical limits. A prospective descriptive study was carried out at Speciality ENT Hospital, Mumbai, India. Endoscopic adenoidectomy was performed in 83 patients using coblation technology. In all patients, adenoids were removed superiorly till the periosteum over the body of sphenoid; posteriorly till the pharyngobasilar fascia; laterally till fossa of Rosenmuller in the posterior part and till the torus tubarius in the anterior part; and inferiorly till the Passavant's ridge. The patients were followed up postoperatively and a nasal endoscopy was done at the end of 1 year to look for any recurrence or regrowth of adenoids, so as to determine the efficacy of the procedure. A total of 83 patients underwent adenoidectomy with a mean age of 12.80 years. 12 patients were lost to follow up. Of the remaining 71 patients, no patient showed any evidence of recurrence of adenoid on follow-up nasal endoscopy done at the end of 1 year. Recurrence of adenoid post adenoidectomy is not seen if there is complete removal of adenoids. So it is essential that all adenoid tissue be removed during adenoidectomy. The complete removal of adenoids can be ensured by following the surgical limits of adenoidectomy.

Effects of adenotonsillar hypertrophy corrective surgery on nocturnal enuresis of children

BACKGROUND

Nocturnal enuresis is considered a common urological complaint especially among children. Respiratory obstructive diseases have been one of the possible etiologies of such a condition. The most common type of upper respiratory obstructive diseases in childhood is adenotonsillar hypertrophy. In this study, it was tried to estimate the prevalence of nocturnal enuresis in adenotonsillar hypertrophy as an upper obstructive airway disease and cure rate after corrective operation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this longitudinal study, 184 children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy as case group and 200 healthy children as control group were randomly compared for nocturnal enuresis incidence and risk factors. Then they were followed after 6 months to estimate the cure rate after corrective operation.

RESULTS

In case group, nocturnal enuresis was more common than control group (26% vs. 17%, P = 0.1). Factors which had a role in enuresis in case group were family history (P = 0.03) and male sex (P = 0.05). Three months after surgery, 48% of children totally cured from enuresis (P = 0.001) and 71% cured both partially or totally (P = 0.03). The response rate after moderate obstruction relieving was 100% while that in severe cases was 60% (P = 0.2).

CONCLUSIONS

Nocturnal enuresis due to upper obstructive airway disease occurs more in male and in the presence of family history. The cure rate after 6 months of operation was more prominent in moderate obstruction which suggests enuresis in severe airway obstruction may need a longer time to subside. Cure rate of primary enuresis due to obstructive airway disease after 6 months of relieving was 48% in children over 5 years old.

Endoscopic assisted adenoidectomy versus conventional curettage adenoidectomy: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Adenoidectomy, surgical removal of hypertrophic adenoids, is a common operation in children worldwide. The purpose of this study was to compare the operative effectiveness, and included total operative time, blood loss and complications, between endoscopic assisted adenoidectomy and conventional curettage adenoidectomy. EMBASE, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure and symposiums and review articles were used to choose relevant randomized controlled trials. A meta-analysis was performed to analyze the data for total operative time, blood loss and complications. Seven studies fit the inclusion criteria, and included 331 patients treated with endoscopic assisted adenoidectomy, and 251 patients treated with conventional curettage adenoidectomy. The meta-analysis demonstrated that compared with conventional curettage adenoidectomy, endoscopic assisted adenoidectomy had a shorter operative time (SMD −1.09; 95 % CI −1.29 to −0.90; p < 0.00001), less blood loss (MD −19.74; 95 % CI −22.75 to −16.73; p < 0.00001), and fewer complications (OR 0.15; 95 % CI 0.07–0.35; p < 0.0001). Endoscopic assisted adenoidectomy has advantages over conventional curettage adenoidectomy with regard to total operative time, blood loss and complications.

Endoscopic Adenoidectomy in Children With Otitis Media With Effusion and Mild Hearing Loss

Objectives

Surgical management of children with chronic otitis media with effusion (OME) includes tympanostomy tube insertion or adenoidectomy, alone or with myringotomy and tube insertion. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of transoral microdebrider endoscopic-assisted adenoidectomy (TOMEA) and traditional adenoidectomy in the management of children with mild hearing loss due to OME and chronic adenoiditis.

Methods

This prospective, double-blind and controlled study involved 120 consecutive patients aged 4–12 years, who were randomised 1:1 to undergo TOMEA or traditional adenoidectomy under general anesthesia. All the patients underwent a complete otolaryngological examination, including nasopharyngeal fibre endoscopy (NFE), pneumatic otoscopy, otomicroscopy, tympanometry and supraliminar tonal audiometry, upon enrolment, and three and nine months postoperatively.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences in age or gender distribution between the TOMEA group (mean age, 4.9±1.1 years; 53.3% males) and the traditional adenoidectomy group (mean age, 5.3±0.9 years; 56.7% males). Both procedures led to a significant improvement in choanal patency (P<0.01) and all of the otological and audiological parameters (P<0.01) 3 and 9 months postoperatively, although postoperative NFE showed that the mean percentage of residual choanal obstruction was significantly less in the TOMEA group (P=0.02). There was no significant between-group difference in the percentage of children with tympanic membrane changes, but the postoperative prevalence of children with a type B tympanogram was significantly lower in the TOMEA group after 3 (15.0% vs. 31.7%, P=0.05) and 9 months (18.3% vs. 38.3%, P=0.02), as was the percentage of children with mild conductive hearing loss (3.3% vs. 23.3%, P<0.01; and 8.3% vs. 28.3%, P<0.01).

Conclusion

Although both TOMEA and traditional adenoidectomy are effective in treating children with mild hearing loss due to adenoidal hypertrophy and OME, the former achieves the greater reduction in residual adenoidal hypertrophy and better audiological outcomes.

Changing Trends in Adenoidectomy

Adenoid hypertrophy treatment is must to alleviate chronic nasal obstruction, mouth breathing, rhinosinusitis and eustachian tube dysfunction. For proper management of this clinical entity a thorough clinical examination along with radiological and endoscopic evaluation is mandatory. Although, few children having adenoid hypertrophy respond to medical treatment, surgery remains the mainstay. An adenoidectomy can be performed by variety of techniques. Conventional adenoidectomy is by the curettage method, still practiced in many institutions, though, a recent technique of endoscopic assisted adenoidectomy by microdebrider is also getting popularized. Both the techniques have their own merits and demerits. However, which of the two surgical techniques is better, is still a matter of preference and experience of the surgeon with the technique. In the present study we will compare the conventional curettage adenoidectomy with endoscopically assisted adenoidectomy done with microdebrider in 40 pediatric patients of adenoid hypertrophy.

Comparison of Transoral/Transnasal Endoscopic-Guided Adenoidectomy with Endoscopic Nasopharyngeal Inspection at the End of Curettage Adenoidectomy

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of transoral or transnasal endoscopic-guided adenoidectomy compared with endoscopic nasopharyngeal inspection at the end of curettage adenoidectomy. A prospective case series of patients who had adenoidectomy. A total of 27 girls and 34 boys (age range 2.5-18 years) in whom adenoidectomy with or without tonsillectomy procedure was planned were included in the study. The cases were divided into three groups. Group 1 Transoral endoscopic-guided adenoidectomy performed patients. Group 2 Transnasal endoscopic-guided adenoidectomy performed patients. Group 3 Transnasal endoscopic nasopharyngeal exploration performed at the end of the conventional curettage adenoidectomy. The study was completed on 61 children. Mean age and sex frequency were not significant different between the groups. Mean operative time were 11.6 ± 2.9, 15.6 ± 4.4 and 9.7 ± 2 min, respectively (p > 0.05). On the other hand, significant differences were observed in operative time between group 1 and group 2 (p < 0.05), and between group 2 and group 3 (p < 0.05). Transnasal endoscopic examination at the end of curettage adenoidectomy is an appropriate method to assess the residual adenoid tissue after conventional curettage adenoidectomy. Also, operative time of this method is shorter than transoral or transnasal endoscopic-guided adenoidectomy. We recommend transnasal endoscopic inspection in all patients after conventional curettage adenoidectomy.

Objective assessment of endoscopy assisted adenoidectomy

OBJECTIVES

To objectively assess the effectiveness of endoscopy assisted adenoidectomy utilizing adenoid tissue volume measurement and to set some parameters for which patients are more legible to this procedure.

METHODS

Forty three patients for whom adenoidectomy was conventionally done using adenoid curettes. Surgeon's satisfaction for adenoid removal after curettage and digital palpation was reported. The volume of removed adenoidal tissue was measured. The remaining adenoid tissue, if any, was removed transnasally guided by endoscope. Residual adenoid volume was also was measured. The data was tabulated and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS

The volume of adenoid removed by curettage ranged from 1 to 3.6 ml with a mean of 2.45 ml. The volume of residual adenoid removed by endoscopy after curettage ranged from 0 to 2.9 ml (mean: 0.67 ± 0.58 ml). The volume of residual adenoid after blind curettage was found to have statistically significant relation to older age of patients, preoperative larger adenoid by X-ray and Surgeon's dissatisfaction about the completeness of removal after curettage.

CONCLUSION

Conventional curettage adenoidectomy misses a substantial volume of adenoid tissue. Endoscopy-assisted adenoidectomy is significantly recommended in children age  >10 years, dissatisfied surgeon after curettage and palpation, and grade 3 adenoid enlargement on X-ray.

Is transnasal endoscopic examination necessary before and after adenoidectomy?

The present study aimed to investigate the amount of residual adenoid tissue following the conventional adenoidectomy as compared with preoperative values. A total of 32 girls and 44 boys (range, 3-15 years) in whom adenoidectomy procedure was planned were included in the study. Adenoid tissue sizes before adenoidectomy and residual tissue sizes after conventional curettage adenoidectomy were measured by transnasal endoscopic examination and were recorded. Adenoid tissue size before and after adenoidectomy was compared. The mean age of the patients was 7.7 years (range, 3-15 years). Before adenoidectomy grade 4 adenoid tissue was noted in 43.4% (n = 33), grade 3 was noted in 28.9% (n = 22), grade 2 was noted in 25% (n = 19), and grade 1 was noted in 2.6% (n = 2) of the patients. Following adenoidectomy, no significant difference was noted with respect to residual adenoid tissue sizes of grade 4 and grade 3 patients (P = 0.75, P = 0.76). Transnasal endoscopic examination is suggested to be the most appropriate method to assess the amount of residual adenoid tissue after conventional curettage adenoidectomy. The residual adenoid tissue with the help of a microdebrider in case of a large residual adenoid tissue located in the choana are necessary for complete adenoidectomy.

Adenoids in children: Advances in immunology, diagnosis, and surgery

Adenoids are strategically located for mediating local and regional immune functions as they are exposed to antigens from both the outside air and the alimentary tract. Recurrent or chronic respiratory infections can induce histomorphological and functional changes in the adenoidal immunological barrier, sometimes making surgical treatment necessary. Our aim in this review is to summarize the crucial points about not only the immunological histopathology of adenoidal tissue, especially in patients with adenoid hypertrophy, but also the most common and useful diagnostic techniques and surgical options.

A Comparison of Revision Adenoidectomy Rates Based on Techniques

Objective

No studies are available specifically comparing revision rates between suction coagulator and microdebrider-performed adenoidectomies. Our objective was to compare revision adenoidectomy rates between these instrument groups.

Study Design

Historical cohort study.

Setting

Patients included in this study had surgery at the Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, from June 2007 through December 2011.

Subjects and Methods

The patients were divided into 2 groups based on technique of adenoidectomy used at the time of initial surgery and the regrowth rate analyzed.

Results

During the 4.5-year study period, the microdebrider was used in 4071 adenoidectomies, and 3328 cases were performed with suction coagulation. There was a revision rate of 0.84% (34 patients) for the microdebrider group. The rate was 1.50% (50 patients) for suction coagulation. This difference was found to be statistically significant on univariate analysis. The suction coagulator group had a younger mean age at initial surgery and a higher incidence of gastroesophageal reflux disease. No difference in revision rates between the 2 groups was noted on multivariate analysis.

Conclusion

Symptomatic regrowth of adenoid tissue occurs infrequently. Both suction coagulation and microdebrider methods are commonly used when performing adenoidectomies due to more consistent ease of use in removal of tissue. The incidence of regrowth likely relates to variables other than the technique used, as there was no difference in the regrowth rate between the 2 groups.

Comparison of transoral power-assisted endoscopic adenoidectomy to curettage adenoidectomy

INTRODUCTION

The aim of this prospective and randomized study was to compare patients who underwent curettage adenoidectomy (CA) or transoral power-assisted endoscopic adenoidectomy (PAEA) performed as isolated procedures by a single surgeon over a period of 7 years. The success of an adenoidectomy has been evaluated by assessing the amount of reduction in the adenoid size and the symptomatic improvement at the sixth postoperative month.

METHODS

Patients' nasal airway obstruction was graded by the parents of the patient on a visual analog scale (VAS), with a range from 0 to 10, with grade 10 representing total obstruction. The ratio of the choanal opening obstructed by an adenoid mass was measured and expressed in percentages as representative of the adenoid size. Preoperative and 6-month postoperative adenoid sizes were compared.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients (CA group 27 patients/PAEA group 26 patients) completed the study. In the CA group, VAS score improved from the preoperative score of 8.63 ± 0.88 to the 6-month score of 2.22 ± 1.01 (P < 0.0001); and in the PAEA group, the preoperative VAS score of 8.69 ± 0.84 improved to 2.08 ± 1.05 in the same period (P < 0.0001). No statistical significance was found when VAS score improvements were compared (P = 0.4569). The average ratio of choanal opening obstructed by an adenoid mass improved from the preoperative ratio of 89.41% ± 6.48% to the 6-month ratio of 7.85% ± 2.28% in the CA group; and the preoperative ratio of 90.19% ± 6.95% in the PAEA group improved to 3.65% ± 1.38% after 6 months. The reduction of adenoid size was significantly superior in PAEA than CA (P < 0.0001). The operative time in PAEA was significantly shorter than that in CA (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSION

Although symptomatic improvement at the 6-month follow-up is statistically indifferent, PAEA has been shown to be superior to CA with its superior performance in providing a near-total elimination of the adenoid mass in a shorter operating time.

The evolution of the adenoidectomy: analysis of different power-assisted techniques

Techniques and instruments for adenoidectomy have considerably changed over the years. With the introduction in Otolaryngology of power-assisted instruments for endoscopic sinus surgery, the classic adenoidectomy performed with curette or adenotome has evolved, with an improved patients&#x0027; outcome and a better satisfaction of the surgeon. The purpose of this article is to describe and critically analyze the literature reports about different methods of power-assisted adenoidectomy. We performed a literature search (Medline) to identify all available reports. We discussed the surgical techniques and reviewed advantages and disadvantages of each method. The techniques can be schematically divided in non-endoscopic, usually performed with a laryngeal mirror, and endoscopic-assisted. The endoscopic control can be obtained either trans-nasally or trans-orally, as well as the microdebrider can be inserted in the nasal cavity or maneuvered through the oral cavity. Some authors reported the usage of the power-assisted instruments in performing the entire adenoidectomy; while, according with other authors, the microdebrider can be used as a step of the surgical procedure, for a combined adenoidectomy. In conclusion, all the methods seem to be safe and effective, and the personal experience of the surgeon should guide the choice of the instruments. However, we personally consider the endoscopic techniques as the most suitable, and among these the Transoral Endonasal-Controlled Combined Adenoidectomy (TECCA) should be considered as the most ergonomic technique to perform a power-assisted adenoidectomy.

Conventional Versus Endoscopic Powered Adenoidectomy: A Comparative Study

BACKGROUND

Adenoidectomy is a commonly performed ENT surgery. It is conventionally performed using the curettage method. This present article aims to evaluate endoscopic powered adenoidectomy as an alternative.

METHODS

Sixty consecutive cases requiring adenoidectomy were randomized into two groups of thirty each. Group A underwent conventional adenoidectomy using the curettage method and Group B underwent endoscopic assisted micro-debrider adenoidectomy. The parameters studied were intra-operative time, intra-operative bleeding and completeness of resection, collateral damage, post operative pain and recovery time.

RESULT

Sixty cases of adenoidectomy were done using conventional surgery and powered endoscopic adenoidectomy in the study period from Aug 04 to Dec 05. The time taken in Group A (conventional surgery) varied from 22-39 minutes (95% Confidence Interval (CI) -27.7 - 30.9)and in Group B (powered endoscopic surgery) from 27-55 minutes(95% CI 36.6 - 41.9) (p<0.05). The average blood loss in Group A was 21 ml (range 10-50) as compared to 31.67 ml (range 10-60) in Group B (p<0.05). The resection was invariably complete in Group B whereas seven(23%) cases had more than 50% residual adenoid tissue in Group A. Three cases in group A had collateral damage whereas in Group B, there were no added injuries. Post operative pain was studied only in cases undergoing adenoidectomy alone. Group A (n=8) demonstrated a pain score of 1.64-2.63-3.63 (95% CI) whereas Group B (n=11) demonstrated a pain score of 1.19-2.13-3.06 (95% CI). This difference was not statistically significant. In group A, the mean recovery period was 3.5 days and 2.93 days in Group B(p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

Endoscopic powered adenoidectomy was found to be a safe and effective tool for adenoidectomy. The study parameters where endoscopic powered adenoidectomy fared better were completeness of resection, accurate resection under vision, lesser collateral damage and faster recovery time. On the other hand, conventional adenoidectomy scored in matter of lesser operative time and intra-operative bleeding.

Choanal adenoid in adults with persistent nasal symptoms: endoscopic management to avoid misdiagnosis and unsuccessful surgeries

Our objective was to confirm the necessity of nasal endoscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of choanal adenoid in adult patients with persistent bilateral nasal obstruction and recurrent nasal infections that may lead to repeated unsuccessful medical and surgical procedures. We present a series of 64 adult patients (18-37 years: 40 males, 24 females). All patients had persistent bilateral nasal obstruction and recurrent nasal infections. There was history of repeated medical and surgical unsuccessful procedures. Choanal adenoid was confirmed by nasal endoscopy and CT scanning. Absence of adenoid tissues in the nasopharynx was confirmed in all cases. Surgical removal of choanal adenoids was undertaken in all cases endoscopically. Some other surgical procedures like straightening of a deviated septum or reduction of a hypertrophied turbinate were undertaken in some indicated cases. Most of the cases experienced complete relief from obstruction and return of a patent nasal airway, and improvement of associated complaints such as dry mouth and persistent cough. A thorough review of this phenomenon and its clinical relevance, and methods of diagnosis and management are presented. We recommend a thorough nasal endoscopy as a routine in cases of persistent nasal obstruction even in the presence of an apparent cause of obstruction.

Endoscopic adenoidectomy with microdebrider

To describe endoscopic power assisted adenoidectomy and review the experience with the procedure demonstrating its safety and efficacy. Prospective study of 44 patients aged between 7 to 15 years undergoing power assisted adenoidectomy between Jan 2004 and July 2006. Tertiary care private teaching hospital. Forty four consecutive children with adenoid hypertrophy undergoing power assisted adenoidectomy. Therapeutic endoscopic adenoidectomy using microdebrider. Operative time, blood loss, complications, completeness and depth of removal, surgeon's satisfaction and recovery period. The average operative time was 12 min (range: 8-16 min) and average blood loss was 30 ml (range: 24-42 ml). Complete resection was possible under vision with few complications. The surgeon satisfaction was high and post-operative recovery good. Power assisted adenoidectomy is quick, precise and safe. There is good visualization during resection thus improving precision and ensuring complete removal of adenoid tissue.

Endoscopic-assisted versus curettage adenoidectomy: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study with objective outcome measures

OBJECTIVE

To establish whether there is both objectively and subjectively improved recovery in children receiving endoscopic-assisted adenoidectomy, compared with children receiving curettage adenoidectomy.

STUDY DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, double-blinded study.

METHODS

Thirty-eight patients who underwent adenoidectomy alone or in combination with tonsillectomy before the planned tympanomastoid surgery with an age range from 8 to 12 years were enrolled in the study. Children were prospectively and randomly assigned into two groups: the endoscopic-assisted adenoidectomy and the curettage adenoidectomy. The main subjective parameters were the nasopharyngoscopy and the symptom improvement scale, whereas the main objective parameter was the midsagittal reformatted images of the temporal bone computerized tomographies of patients who underwent adenoidectomy before the planned tympanomastoid surgery. To adequately compare the utility of one technique versus the other, blood loss and operative time were also reviewed.

RESULTS

Evaluation of the temporal bone computerized tomographies of patients by adenoidal/nasopharyngeal ratios revealed a statistically significant difference with a mean ratio of 0.41 in the curettage and 0.30 in the endoscopic-assisted group. However, both groups had a significant improvement in the symptom improvement scale with no evidence for a significant difference between the endoscopic-assisted and curettage groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Although, objective outcomes reveal that endoscopic-assisted adenoidectomy technique was superior to curettage adenoidectomy in reducing adenoidal size after surgery, subjectively no differences were noted between two methods.

Comparison of adenoidectomy methods: examining with digital palpation vs. visualizing the placement of the curette

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effectiveness of adenoidectomy by defining the remnant volume and localization in nasopharynx, following being satisfied with completeness of removal of the adenoid tissue with digital palpation.

METHODS

A prospective study conducted on 99 patients undergoing adenoidectomy+/-tonsillectomy. The main mass of the patient's adenoid tissue was removed with a sharp adenoid curette without visualization and the surgeon was allowed to palpate the adenoid bed and repeat the curettage until satisfied with completeness of removal. Then nasopharynx was visualized with a laryngeal mirror for defining the anatomical localization of the residual adenoid tissue and curettage completed under indirect mirror visualization. The volumes of the adenoid tissue excised at both stages were measured.

RESULTS

By blunt curettage and digital palpation, only 20.2% of the patients (20) had no residual adenoid tissue. In patients who had residual adenoid tissue, the proportion of the median percentage of residual adenoid tissue to total adenoid tissue was 19.98% (range 3.22-50%). The anatomical localization of the residual adenoid tissue were, along the torus tubarius on either side of the nasopharynx in 9 (11.4%), on the pharyngeal roof near choanal openings in 64 (81%), along the torus tubarius on either side of the nasopharynx+on the pharyngeal roof near choanal openings in 5 (6.3%), and on the pharyngeal roof near choanal openings+on the posterior wall of nasopharynx in 1 (1.3%) patients. There was no difference found among surgeons in the percentage and the location of the residue left (p>0.05).

CONCLUSION

Digital palpation is not a dependable technique and visualization of the nasopharynx is crucial for a complete adenoidectomy.

Residual adenoid tissue post-curettage: role of nasopharyngoscopy in adenoidectomy

OBJECTIVE

Curettage adenoidectomy is one of the most common methods of adenoidectomy. This study reports the incidence of residual adenoid tissue after curettage and grades the degree of post-nasal space obstruction using fibre-optic nasopharyngoscopy.

METHODS

A retrospective study of 425 consecutive patients undergoing curette adenoidectomy in a 5-year period.

RESULTS

Of the 425 patients, 288 (68%) had some residual adenoid tissue evident with nasopharyngoscopy, of which 104 (24%) had significant obstruction (grade 2 or 3). No age or sex difference was found in the likelihood or severity of residual adenoid tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

A significant proportion of patients will have residual adenoid tissue following curette adenoidectomy alone. Nasopharyngoscopy permits a more complete resection in a cost-effective, quick and easily performed additional step.

The effect of adenoidectomy on right ventricular performance in children

OBJECTIVE

Several studies have shown a reduction in pulmonary artery pressure (PAP) after adenoidectomy in children suffering form upper airway obstruction caused by adenoid hypertrophy (AH). However, it is not clear whether this would be significantly reflected on right ventricle output (RVO).

METHODS

Our aim was to determine if there were any detectable changes in RV performance parameters after adenoidectomy in children with AH. Thirty children with AH (female/male: 11/19) aged between 2.5 and 12 years (median: five years) were included in this study. Adenoidectomy was performed under sinuscopic guide using adenoid curette and microdebrider. All children were examined by echocardiography one day before and one month after adenoidectomy. Velocity time integral of tricuspid valve flow (VTItv) and pulmonary valve flow (VTIpa); E/A ratio of tricuspid valve flow; RV end-diastolic diameter (RVEDd) and left ventricle fraction shortening (FS) were measured. Heart rate (HR) was also recorded.

RESULTS

Preoperatively VTItv, VTIpa, E/A ratio, RVEDd, FS, and HR were 18.6+/-3.0 cm, 20.8+/-3.1 cm, 1.21+/-0.31, 11.5+/-2.1 mm, 35.1+/-4.3%, and 112+/-19, respectively. Postoperatively VTItv, VTIpa, E/A ratio, RVEDd, FS, and HR were 21.5+/-2.5 cm, 24.4+/-4.3 cm, 1.44+/-0.32, 9.3+/-2.6 mm, 33.9+/-3.5%, and 104+/-28, respectively. There were significant differences between preoperative and postoperative VTItv (p=0.03), VTIpa (p=0.01), E/A ratios (p=0.04), and RVEDd (p=0.01). FS and HR were not significantly different.

CONCLUSIONS

This study illustrated that in children suffering from AH, relieving upper airway obstruction by adenoidectomy may result in improvement of RV filling and RVO, associated with the reduction in PAP.

How frequent is adenoid obstruction? Impact on the diagnostic approach

BACKGROUND

The rate of adenoidectomy has increased over the past years. The initial assessment methods are sometimes overused. The aims of the present study were to evaluate the use of these methods, estimate the incidence of obstructive adenoid and refine the approach to this problem.

METHODS

This is a prospective observational study. All children referred for chronic nasal obstruction had anterior rhinoscopy and a routine physical examination. The palatal airway was assessed on lateral nasopharyngeal roentgenograms when these were requested. The degree of obstruction was measured on endoscopy when performed. The efficacy of each method was evaluated, as well as its necessity. The incidence of obstructive adenoid was calculated.

RESULTS

A total of 213 patients aged 6 months-13 years (mean 5.1 years, median 4 years) were enrolled. One hundred patients had radiological evaluation while 65 had endoscopy during their initial assessment. Endoscopy was the most efficacious in reaching a proper diagnosis (100%) followed by clinical assessment (84.2%), and radiology (75%). The necessity of endoscopy, however, was 63.1% and that of radiology 63% within their respective groups. The incidence of obstructive adenoid was 57.7% (1.6% choanal). Clinical assessment, therefore, could have been sufficient in 41.8%, radiology in 44.1%; and endoscopy in 12.2% of the studied population to reach a proper diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Clinical assessment is crucial to evaluate chronic nasal obstruction. The lateral nasopharyngeal roentgenogram provides objective evaluation of the adenoid but its limitations should be considered. Nasal endoscopy may substitute for radiology but should be reserved for unusual cases.

How we do it: a combined method of traditional curette and power-assisted endoscopic adenoidectomy

CONCLUSION

After conventional curette adenoidectomy, a significant mass of residual adenoid tissue is observed in about 50% of the cases. The combined approach of conventional curette and endoscopic adenoidectomy with microdebrider assures a complete and accurate removal of the mass. It is an effective and safe method without significantly prolonging the operative time.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the surgical technique of conventional curette adenoidectomy completed with the microdebrider under endoscopic vision in case of residual adenoid tissue.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This was a retrospective review of 143 consecutive patients (age range 2-16 years, mean 6.2) who underwent endoscopic adenoidectomy for adenoid hypertrophy at an academic hospital-based institution. A classic transoral curette adenoidectomy was performed initially. Then a rigid fibre-optic endoscope was used transnasally to assess the completeness of surgery. Residual adenoid tissue was removed using a microdebrider under endoscopic vision.

RESULTS

After conventional curette adenoidectomy 70 children (48.9%) underwent residual adenoid tissue transnasal removal. Mean curette adenoidectomy time with endoscopic visualization of the nasopharynx was 9.1 min and, in the case of completion with the microdebrider, 14.6 min. No significant intraoperative bleeding, postoperative haemorrhage or other complications have occurred. After a mean follow-up of 24.4 months, no patients have been readmitted for symptoms of adenoid regrowth.

Lingual tonsillectomy: A review of 5 years experience and evolution of surgical technique

OBJECTIVES: To assess the indications for lingual tonsillectomy; to report our experience with lingual tonsillectomy, and to present the evolution of our surgical technique.

METHODS: A review of 5-years experience from a prospectively maintained database of 28 patients was performed together with a focused review of the international literature. Therapeutic procedures included lingual tonsillectomy with access via the Boyle-Davis gag or suspended video laryngoscope and with the resection via diathermy, CO2 laser, or microdebrider.

RESULTS: The indication for lingual tonsillectomy was upper airways obstruction in 22 patients and recurrent infection in six. The operative time for lingual tonsillectomy ranged from 35 to 80 minutes (mean time, 43 minutes). The perioperative in-hospital stay ranged from one to three days for 27 patients. All did very well postoperatively.

CONCLUSION: Lingual tonsillar pathology may cause significant morbidity and is frequently the cause of persisting peripheral obstructive sleep apnea syndrome after adenotonsillectomy. Lingual tonsillectomy performed with video laryngoscopy and microdebrider resection is feasible and safe and provides good results.

Video fluoroscopy for evaluating adenoid hypertrophy in children

BACKGROUND

Adenoid hypertrophy is a common cause of upper airway obstruction in children. Traditionally, adenoid size has been evaluated using a conventional lateral skull film. Flexible endoscopy is now the gold standard for the evaluation of the upper airway. Children need to be cooperative in order to complete a videonasopharyngoscopy examination, which is not always possible.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this paper is to determine the sensitivity and specificity of lateral video fluoroscopy for assessing adenoid size compared to conventional lateral skull films with videonasopharyngoscopy as the gold standard.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty pediatric patients with adenoid hypertrophy demonstrated by videonasopharyngoscopy, and 20 control patients without adenoid hypertrophy were assessed with video fluoroscopy and lateral skull radiograph. Two independent examiners evaluated all studies. Specificity, sensitivity, and predictive values were obtained for findings on video fluoroscopy and lateral skull film.

RESULTS

Video fluoroscopy showed 100% sensitivity, and 90% specificity for the diagnosis of adenoid hypertrophy. Lateral skull films showed 70% sensitivity, and 55% specificity. A Spearman correlation coefficient demonstrated a significant correlation (P<0.05) between findings on video fluoroscopy and videonasopharyngoscopy. In contrast, there was a no significant correlation (P>0.05) between lateral skull films and videonasopharyngoscopy.

CONCLUSIONS

Video fluoroscopy appears to be a safe and reliable procedure for assessing adenoid hypertrophy in children.

Rhinosinusitis in children: the role of surgery

Indications and nature of surgery for chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS) have yet to be elucidated in children. After review of the literature and based on their experience, the authors suggest guidelines for the treatment of CRS in children. They suggest grouping children with rhinosinusitis into two groups: those with complicated acute rhinosinusitis and those with CRS. For the first group, the authors suggest an early surgical intervention because of the potential serious consequences and sometimes irreversible damage. For the second group, most agree that maximal medical management should be the first line of treatment with antibiotics, nasal lavage and as a last resort surgery. It is important to realize that surgery should be considered in these cases if medical treatment fails. Once surgery is recommended, the kind of surgery then becomes an issue between adenoidectomy, endoscopic sinus surgery or a combination of the two depending on the age and other conditions.

Pathologic evaluation of routine tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy specimens in the pediatric population: is it really necessary?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the necessity of histopathologic examination for routine tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy in terms of unexpected malignancy by evaluating a large group of pediatric patients retrospectively with review of the literature.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review of all patients under the age of 19 who underwent tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy between January 1990 and January 2005 was carried out. The records were analyzed concerning each patient's age, sex, indication for surgery, type of surgical procedure and the result of histopathologic examination of the specimen. The patients operated for chronic or recurrent infections and obstructive hypertrophy were included in the study. Moreover, the English literature was searched in Medline for articles published between 1949 and March 2005 and the studies dealing with pathologic analysis of tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy specimens were reviewed.

RESULTS

The total number of patients was 2826. After excluding 83 patients because of insufficient data, 2743 patients with an age distribution from 1 to 18 years (mean: 7.53) were reviewed. There were 1534 males (56%) and 1209 females (44%). Tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy were performed together on 1930 patients (70%) while tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy alone were performed on 287 (10%) and 526 (20%) patients, respectively. Evaluation of the pathology reports revealed no malignancies. Review of the literature identified 14 articles and 5 of them included only pediatric patients. The rate of unexpected malignancies observed in these pediatric series varied between 0 and 0.18%.

CONCLUSION

After being evaluated by an experienced otolaryngologist, pathologic evaluation of all specimens may not be necessary if a child undergoing routine tonsillectomy and/or adenoidectomy is not found to have certain preoperative risk factors.