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.
Saxby
Alex J
AJ
Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Mona Vale Hospital, Mona Vale, New South Wales, Australia. alex_saxby@optusnet.com.au
Chappel
Clive A
CA
D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000379:methods*; D000234:Adenoids / Q000473:pathology*; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003475:Curettage; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D004724:Endoscopy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D015508:Nasal Obstruction; D012189:Retrospective Studies