[Effect of volume reduction surgery by radiofrequency for enlarged adenoid causing recurrent otitis media with...

We studied the effect of volume reduction surgery by a radiofrequency (ENTec coblator) for enlarged adenoid causing recurrent otitis media with effusion.

The effect of volume reduction surgery by radiofrequency for enlarged adenoid was studied in 50 children with enlarged adenoid causing recurrent otitis media with effusion from June 2002 to September 2004, while a group of 50 children with tympanostomy-tube placement alone from April 2001 to September 2004, was used as the control group. Volume reduction surgery by radiofrequency system for enlarged adenoid was done with tympanostomy-tube placement under general anesthesia by laryngeal mask. We compared two groups in following 5 different aspects: (1) tympanostomy-tube replacement, (2) remyringotomy, (3) total visits to our clinic after surgery, (4) total days with antibiotics, (5) absence of effusion and normal middle ear function as seen on the tympanogram after tympanostomy-tubes loss. We evaluated the reduction of enlarged adenoid by using the pre-and postoperative obstructive rate of the choana through the nasopharyngoscope.

The volume of enlarged adenoid was reduced an average of 52.2% by radiofrequency. The pharyngeal opening of the eustachian tube and the choana could be opened widely. No severe intra or postoperative complications occurred. Compared to the control group treated with tympanostomy tubes alone, postoperative tympanostomy-tube replacement, postoperative remyringotomy, total postoperative visits to our clinic, total postoperative days with antibiotics, and tympanogram types C2 and B after tympanostomy-tubes loss decreased notably in cases with volume reduction surgery by radiofrequency for enlarged adenoid and tympanostomy-tube placement.

Volume reduction surgery by radiofrequency for enlarged adenoid is considered very safe, effective one-day surgery technique for recurrent otitis media with effusion.