Adenoidectomy has usually been performed perorally with adenoid curette. During adenoidectomy, the nasopharynx can be inspected indirectly with a mirror or directly only in part by retracting the soft palate, and removal of adenoid tissues can be
confirmed by palpation. These facts mean that a blind removal is included in the procedures of adenoidectomy and that it is not easy for a surgeon to achieve a safe and adequate removal without injuries to the eustachian tube orifices if he or
she
is
not very experienced. Recent advances in the intranasal endoscopy have provided otolaryngologists with good postoperative results in chronic sinonasal diseases by the aid of direct and magnified vision, and its application is expanding now. The
present
study was made with the aim of introducing the operative techniques and our clinical experiences in endoscopic adenoidectomy.
A retrospective study was done on 14 patients(12 males and 2 females, aged 3 to 28 years : mean 8.1 years) who were diagnosed as complicated adenoid hypertrophy refractory refractory to medical therapy and therefore, underwent endoscopic
adenoidectomy
in Gyeongsang National University Hospital from January 1993 through October 1994. They were followed up for 2 to 15 months(mean 5.2 months). All patient were evaluated perioperatively by symptoms, signs, conventional radiography, tympanometry
and
if
necessary, computerized tomography. Under the direct transnasal visualization with 0- and /or 30-degree endoscopes, adenoid tissues were removed transnasally or transorally by various kinds of straight and angled forceps. Postoperatively absent
or
improved were most of symptoms, especially those related to airway obstruction, i.e. nasal obstruction, snoring. There were no postopertive bleeding nor major complications.
In conclusion, endoscopic adenoidectomy may be an effective technique for a safe and adequate removal of adenoids without damaging the important organs such as eustachian tube orifices.
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