Efficacy of Adenoidectomy on Pediatric Chronic Rhinosinusitis

Rhyoo, Chan; Jung, Min Kyo; Lee, Joo Hyung; Park, Chan Soon; Lee, Il Ro

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.