Our Summary

This research was conducted to find out if removing adenoids (small patches of tissue located at the back of the throat) when putting in a second set of ear tubes in children affects the need for a third set of ear tubes later on. The study was done at a university hospital and involved children who had a second ear tube placement between January 2017 and September 2019. The children were divided into two groups: one had their adenoids removed when the second ear tube was inserted (TT+A), and the other group retained their adenoids (TT-A).

The main aim was to see how many children needed a third set of ear tubes. The study found that among children under 4 years old, fewer of those who had their adenoids removed (the TT+A group) needed a third set of tubes. This was compared to those who kept their adenoids (the TT-A group), where a significantly higher proportion needed a third set of ear tubes. The conclusion from this study was that removing adenoids in children under 4 years old when inserting a second set of ear tubes could reduce the need for a third set of tubes.

FAQs

  1. What was the purpose of this research study on adenoidectomy and ear tubes in children?
  2. What were the findings of the study regarding the need for a third set of ear tubes in children who had their adenoids removed versus those who didn’t?
  3. Based on the study, does removing adenoids in children under 4 years old when inserting a second set of ear tubes reduce the chance of needing a third set of tubes?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to discuss the option of removing the adenoids during a second ear tube insertion in children under 4 years old to potentially reduce the need for a third set of ear tubes in the future. This may help improve long-term outcomes and reduce the need for additional procedures. It is important to discuss the potential benefits and risks of adenoidectomy with your child’s doctor to make an informed decision.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended adenoidectomy include children under 4 years old who are getting a second set of ear tubes inserted. This is especially beneficial for those who have experienced recurrent ear infections or fluid buildup in the ears. Removing adenoids in these patients may help reduce the need for a third set of ear tubes in the future.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  1. Patient experiences recurrent ear infections or fluid buildup in the middle ear.
  2. Patient may have difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, or sleep apnea.
  3. Patient undergoes evaluation by an ear, nose, and throat specialist who recommends adenoidectomy.

After adenoidectomy:

  1. Patient undergoes pre-operative assessment and preparation for surgery.
  2. Adenoidectomy surgery is performed under general anesthesia.
  3. Patient may experience sore throat, mild discomfort, and nasal congestion in the days following surgery.
  4. Patient is discharged home with post-operative care instructions.
  5. Patient follows up with the surgeon for a post-operative visit to ensure proper healing.
  6. Patient experiences improvement in symptoms such as decreased ear infections, improved breathing, and reduced snoring or sleep apnea.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications of adenoidectomy?

  2. How will adenoid removal affect my child’s overall health and immune system?

  3. What is the recovery process like after adenoidectomy?

  4. Will my child experience any pain or discomfort after the procedure?

  5. How long will it take for my child to fully recover and resume normal activities?

  6. Are there any long-term effects or potential complications of adenoidectomy that I should be aware of?

  7. Will removing the adenoids affect my child’s ability to fight off infections in the future?

  8. How will adenoid removal impact my child’s breathing and nasal congestion?

  9. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of adenoidectomy?

  10. How often will my child need to be monitored or follow-up visits after the adenoidectomy procedure?

Reference

Authors: Hancock S, Allen P, Dixon A, Faria J, Vandjelovic N, McKenna Benoit M. Journal: Int J Pediatr Otorhinolaryngol. 2022 Jun;157:111130. doi: 10.1016/j.ijporl.2022.111130. Epub 2022 Apr 11. PMID: 35447475