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Residual adenoid tissue post-curettage: role of nasopharyngoscopy in adenoidectomy
Alex J Saxby1, Clive A Chappel
1Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Mona Vale Hospital, Mona Vale, New South Wales, Australia. alex_saxby@optusnet.com.au
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.
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