Efficacy of Adenoidectomy on Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Adenoid vegetation can induce chronic rhinosinusitis in children by obstruction of the nasopharynx or as a reservoir for bacteria. The aim of this study is to determine the efficacy of adenoidectomy in chronic pediatric rhinosinusitis. Materials and Methods: Symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis were evaluated in 17 patients who underwent an adenoidectomy between November 2001 and July 2002. Patients' age ranged from 4 to 11 years old. Caregivers of the patients were asked about symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis, which were nasal obstruction, rhinorrhea, postnasal drainage, headache, cough and sputum, by a 10-graded visual analogue scale of 6 items at preoperative and postoperative 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks, respectively. We assessed the grades of plain radiographic (Waters' view) findings at postoperative 1, 2 and 3 months consecutively. RESULTS: Symptoms of chronic rhinosinusitis were significantly improved following adenoidectomy. Significant improvement of symptom scores began at postoperative 2 weeks on the average. Plain radiographic findings were significantly improved at postoperative 1 month. After postoperative 7 months, 'Cure' was reported in 9 (53%) of 17 patients. Conclusions: In majority of cases, symptoms and radiographic findings of chronic rhinosinusitis in children are improved by adenoidectomy. Adenoidectomy should be considered as a first-line surgical option for pediatric chronic rhino-sinusitis.