Our Summary

This study compared two different methods of removing adenoids, which are glands located in the roof of the mouth, behind the soft palate where the nose connects to the throat. The adenoids can sometimes become enlarged and cause health problems.

The first method is the conventional way, using a special tool called a curette. The second method is newer and uses an endoscope, which is a flexible tube with a camera on the end, to guide a powered tool for the adenoid removal.

The researchers found that the second method took longer and there was slightly more bleeding, but the amount of blood loss was not significant. However, the powered tool method resulted in less pain for the patients and was better at completely removing the adenoid tissue.

Therefore, the researchers concluded that the endoscope-assisted method could be a safe and effective way to remove adenoids. It allows for complete removal of the adenoid tissue and is a great teaching tool for medical students.

FAQs

  1. What is the difference between conventional curettage adenoidectomy and endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy?
  2. What parameters were compared in the study between the two methods of adenoidectomy?
  3. What were the results and conclusion of the study comparing endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy and conventional curettage adenoidectomy?

Doctor’s Tip

A doctor might tell a patient that endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy is a safe and effective method for removing adenoid tissue. While the surgical time may be longer and there may be slightly more blood loss compared to conventional curettage adenoidectomy, the powered procedure typically results in lower post-operative pain and more complete removal of adenoid tissue. This method can also be a useful tool for teaching purposes.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for adenoidectomy include those with symptoms such as chronic nasal congestion, sleep apnea, chronic ear infections, chronic sinus infections, and frequent sore throats. Adenoidectomy may also be recommended for patients with enlarged adenoids that are obstructing the airway or causing breathing difficulties.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  • Patient experiences symptoms such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing, snoring, and recurrent ear infections
  • Patient may undergo diagnostic tests such as a physical examination, nasal endoscopy, or imaging studies to confirm adenoid hypertrophy
  • Patient and surgeon discuss treatment options, including the option of adenoidectomy

After adenoidectomy:

  • Patient undergoes surgery either through conventional curettage or endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy
  • Surgical time is longer with the powered instrument, but offers more complete tissue resection
  • Intra-operative bleeding may be slightly higher with the powered instrument, but is not statistically significant
  • Patients in the powered group experience lower post-operative pain compared to conventional curettage
  • Patients in the powered group also experience more instances of complete adenoid removal
  • Overall, endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy is a safe and precise method for adenoid removal, with benefits such as lower pain scores and more complete tissue resection.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What is the difference between endoscopic assisted powered adenoidectomy and conventional curettage adenoidectomy?
  2. How long does the procedure typically take with each method?
  3. What are the potential risks and complications associated with each type of adenoidectomy?
  4. How much bleeding can be expected during the procedure with each method?
  5. What is the expected level of post-operative pain with each method?
  6. How soon can I expect to see improvements in my symptoms after the procedure?
  7. Will I need any special post-operative care or medications with either method?
  8. What is the success rate of each method in completely removing the adenoid tissue?
  9. Are there any specific factors that would make one method more suitable for me over the other?
  10. Can you provide any additional information or resources for me to learn more about the procedure and what to expect?

Reference

Authors: Juneja R, Meher R, Raj A, Rathore P, Wadhwa V, Arora N. Journal: J Laryngol Otol. 2019 Apr;133(4):289-293. doi: 10.1017/S0022215119000550. PMID: 31046870