Correlation between Preoperative Simple Skull Lateral X-ray Findings and SymptomImprovement after Adenoidectomy

Kim, Yong Jae; Kim, Hyeong Seok

Abstract

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: Obliteration of the nasopharynx by adenoid hypertrophy is the primary indication for adenoidectomy. For the documentation of nasopharyngeal adenoid tissue, various methods including radiological, aerodynamic diagnostic modalities have been utilized but are not practically effecient. The authors aimed to investigate the correlation between the shortest A-P diameter of nasopharynx in the preoperative skull lateral view and the postoperative symptom improvement and to establish the criteria for selecting adenoidectomy candidates. MATERIALS AND METHOD: We have evaluated the data from 79 children (50 males, 29 females; age range 4-14 years, mean 6.7 years), who received adenoidectomy with or without tonsillectomy by a single surgeon (senior author) from Jan. 1996 through Dec. 1996.
RESULTS
The subjective symptom improvement of the nasal obstruction and snoring was more significantly remarkable in the children whose shortest A-P diameter of nasopharyngeal air-space in skull lateral view was less than 6 mm than that of the children with diameter greater than 6 mm. The subjective symptom improvement did not significantly differ with the accompaniment of palatine tonsillectomy.
CONCLUSION
The simple skull lateral X-ray is useful in predicting the subjective symptom improvement and the "cut-off" value of the shortest A-P diameter of nasopharyngeal air-space would be close to 6 mm.