Effectiveness of transnasal endoscopic powered adenoidectomy in patients with choanal adenoids.

OBJECTIVES: To demonstrate the technique and efficacy of powered assisted adenoidectomy using nasal endoscopy.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Between 2002 and 2003, forty children (age ranged from 3 to 17 years) with symptoms and signs suggestive of snoring and/or obstructive sleep apnea and choanal adenoids were randomly selected and distributed in two groups. Group A underwent transnasal endoscopic powered adenoidectomy (TEPA) and group B underwent curettage adenoidectomy (CA). Both groups underwent pre- and postoperative nasal endoscopy. Direct comparisons between the two groups were made with regards to operative time, amount of blood loss, postoperative morbidity, complications, and resolution of symptoms.

RESULTS: Male to female distribution was equal 1:1. The mean age of both groups was 8 years. In group A, the mean blood loss was 8.2 ml compared to 22.1 ml in group B (p<0.05). The operative time in group A was 6.1 min vs 12.3 min in group B (p<0.05). There were no operative or postoperative complications in both groups. Postoperative follow up and nasal endoscopy showed no recurrence of symptoms or adenoid remnants.

CONCLUSION: Using TEPA for removing choanal adenoids is an adequate and safe method. The TEPA technique can be added to the armamentarium of techniques used by pediatric otolaryngologists.