Endoscopic-assisted adenoidectomy.

Abstract

Adenoidectomy is a commonly performed procedure. The advent of endoscopic sinus surgery has popularized the use of endoscopes. Endoscopic-assisted adenoidectomy (EAA) is a natural progression of this technology to allow a more complete adenoidectomy. Two hundred thirty-six patients undergoing adenoidectomy were evaluated with an endoscopic technique. A routine transoral adenoidectomy was performed first. Then a 4-mm 0 degrees telescope was used transnasally, and residual adenoid tissue was removed from the anterior superior nasopharynx. Invariably, residual adenoid tissue was found after transoral adenoidectomy. The EAA technique is minimally invasive, adds less than 5 minutes to the procedure, and is not associated with excessive bleeding. Readily available telescope and endoscopic equipment is used. The EAA technique is advocated for use as an adjunct to a more complete adenoidectomy.