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Alterations in the nasopharyngeal bacterial flora after adenoidectomy in children: a systematic review

Johanna W M Aarts1, Maaike T A van den Aardweg, Maroeska M Rovers

  • 1Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.

Otolaryngology--Head and Neck Surgery : Official Journal of American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery
|January 26, 2010
PubMed

Insights

Adenoidectomy appears to positively alter the nasopharyngeal bacterial flora in children with recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (rURTIs). Pathogenic bacteria decreased, while nonpathogenic bacteria increased post-surgery, though more research is needed.

Area of Science:

  • Otolaryngology
  • Microbiology
  • Pediatric Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (rURTIs) are common in children.
  • The nasopharyngeal bacterial flora plays a role in respiratory health.
  • Adenoidectomy is a common surgical intervention for rURTIs.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review existing literature on changes in nasopharyngeal bacterial flora after adenoidectomy in children with rURTIs.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic literature search of PubMed and EMBASE databases.
  • Included studies focused on children (<18 years) undergoing adenoidectomy.
  • Analyzed nasopharyngeal bacterial flora before and after surgery from eight selected studies.

Main Results:

  • Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae, common in children with rURTIs, decreased post-adenoidectomy.
  • Carriage of nonpathogenic nasopharyngeal bacteria increased after surgery.
  • The majority of studies indicated a reduction in key pathogenic bacteria.

Conclusions:

  • Adenoidectomy may benefit the nasopharyngeal bacterial flora in children with rURTIs.
  • Current evidence quality is low, necessitating controlled studies.
  • Further research is required on the short- and long-term effects of adenoidectomy on flora and URTI recurrence.
Abstract

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