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


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


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.
Pagella
Fabio
F
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Pavia, Foundation IRCCS Policlinico S Matteo, Pavia, Italy. tpagella@libero.it
Matti
Elina
E
Colombo
Andrea
A
Giourgos
Georgios
G
Mira
Eugenio
E
D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000379:methods*; D000234:Adenoids / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003475:Curettage / Q000379:methods*; D004724:Endoscopy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D012189:Retrospective Studies