Can nasal endoscopy be used to predict residual symptoms after adenoidectomy for nasal obstruction?
GROUND: the efficacy of adenoidectomy in relieving nasal symptoms has been questioned. Although enlarged adenoids are often blamed for nasal obstruction, other causes can be missed if examination is not thorough. We suggest that endoscopy at the time of adenoidectomy may be useful to confirm large adenoids and exclude other causes, and the findings may help predict residual symptoms 2 years after adenoidectomy. METHOD: a prospective study of a consecutive series of children undergoing adenoidectomy for nasal obstruction was performed. All underwent endoscopy with a 4-mm rigid endoscope without decongestants under GA immediately prior to adenoidectomy. Two years later a postal symptom questionnaire was sent, with telephone follow up for non-responders. The findings on endoscopy were compared with residual symptoms at 2 years. RESULTS: Forty-eight children aged 2-9 (mean 4) years were enrolled, 26 of them female. At 2 years follow up, data were available for 34 children (71%). Complete o
