Our Summary

This research paper compares two different surgical techniques to remove adenoids, a mass of tissue located at the back of the nose. The study looked at 60 kids who had the same type of ear issue. Half of the children had their adenoids removed using the traditional method known as Curettage Adenoidectomy (CA), while the other half had their adenoids removed using a newer method known as Endoscopic Microdebrider Adenoidectomy (EMA). The study measured the pressure in the kids’ middle ears before and after the surgery, recorded any complications, and also asked the kids about their pain levels for 10 days after the surgery. The results showed that the EMA method resulted in less pressure in the middle ear and less pain in the first three days after surgery compared to the CA method. However, the time it took to perform the surgery and the number of complications were about the same for both methods. The study concludes that the EMA method may be a safer and less invasive option for adenoid removal. However, more research is needed to confirm these findings.

FAQs

  1. What were the two surgical techniques compared in the study for adenoid removal?
  2. How did the Endoscopic Microdebrider Adenoidectomy (EMA) method compare to the Curettage Adenoidectomy (CA) method in terms of pain and pressure in the middle ear?
  3. Did the study find any difference in the number of complications or time taken to perform the surgery between the two methods?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to discuss with them the different surgical techniques available, such as Curettage Adenoidectomy (CA) and Endoscopic Microdebrider Adenoidectomy (EMA). The doctor may advise the patient on the potential benefits and risks of each method and help them make an informed decision based on their individual needs and preferences. It is important for the patient to ask questions and communicate openly with their doctor to ensure they understand the procedure and can make the best choice for their health.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended adenoidectomy are those who suffer from recurrent or chronic infections, obstruction of the airway causing breathing difficulties, persistent ear infections, and sleep-disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea. These patients may benefit from adenoidectomy to alleviate symptoms and improve their overall quality of life.

Timeline

Before the adenoidectomy:

  1. The patient may have been experiencing symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, frequent sinus infections, snoring, or sleep apnea.
  2. The patient likely consulted with an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialist who recommended adenoidectomy as a treatment option.
  3. The patient underwent preoperative evaluations and tests to assess their overall health and suitability for surgery.
  4. The patient received instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including fasting before the procedure and avoiding certain medications.
  5. The patient underwent the adenoidectomy procedure, which typically takes about 30-45 minutes under general anesthesia.

After the adenoidectomy:

  1. The patient may experience some pain, discomfort, and swelling in the throat and nose area immediately after the surgery.
  2. The patient will be monitored in a recovery area until they are awake and stable enough to be discharged.
  3. The patient will be given instructions on how to care for the surgical site, manage pain, and prevent complications such as infection.
  4. The patient may need to follow a soft diet and avoid strenuous activities for a few days to allow for proper healing.
  5. The patient will have a follow-up appointment with their ENT specialist to assess their recovery and ensure that the surgery was successful in alleviating their symptoms.
  6. The patient may experience improvements in their breathing, sleep quality, and overall health in the weeks and months following the adenoidectomy.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with adenoidectomy surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after adenoidectomy and what can I expect during this time?
  3. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery and are there any potential side effects?
  4. How will adenoidectomy surgery affect my child’s ability to breathe, swallow, and speak?
  5. Will adenoidectomy surgery improve symptoms such as ear infections, sinus infections, and nasal congestion?
  6. What is the success rate of adenoidectomy surgery in treating my specific condition?
  7. Are there any alternative treatment options to adenoidectomy that I should consider?
  8. How many adenoidectomy surgeries have you performed using the EMA method and what is your experience with this technique?
  9. How long will the adenoidectomy surgery take using the EMA method compared to the CA method?
  10. What post-operative care instructions should I follow to ensure a successful recovery after adenoidectomy surgery?

Reference

Authors: Kozcu SH, Demirhan E, Çukurova İ. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2019 Apr;119:63-69. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2019.01.018. Epub 2019 Jan 16. PMID: 30677629