ABSTRACT
Historically, the adenoid has been associated with upper airway obstruction, as a focus of sepsis, and more recently with the persistence of otitis media with effusion. The evidence that immune status is compromised by removal of the adenoid alone is inconclusive, as studies generally include children also having tonsillectomy. The benefit of adenoidectomy in the management of otitis media with effusion (OME) has traditionally been ascribed to the relief of anatomical obstruction of the Eustachian tube. A Cochrane intervention review concluded that adenoidectomy could not be recommended for the management of acute otitis media. In children, where adenoidectomy is the sole surgical procedure indicated, an assessment of the adenoid should be made prior to the decision to operate. A meta-analysis of suction coagulation adenoidectomy concluded that there was reduced intra-operative bleeding, reduced operative time, and a lower overall complication rate when compared to curette adenoidectomy.
