Comparison of Endoscope-Assisted Coblation Adenoidectomy to Conventional Curettage Adenoidectomy in Terms of Postoperative Eustachian Tube Function.

INTRODUCTION: Adenoidectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed in children in otorhinolaryngology practice. This study aims to compare the conventional curettage adenoidectomy (CCA) and the endoscope-assisted coblation adenoidectomy (EACA) in terms of the postoperative Eustachian tube function and the surgical outcomes.

METHODS: A prospective, randomized, controlled study was carried out at a tertiary referral center and private hospital. Seventy-two adenoid hypertrophy patients without middle ear disease were randomly assigned to 2 groups to be operated via CCA and EACA techniques prior to surgery. Parameters including middle ear pressure values (MEPV), operative time, intraoperative hemorrhage, postoperative residual adenoid tissue, and postoperative pain were compared between groups.

RESULTS: In the CCA group for both ears, there was a statistically significant difference between preoperative mean MEPV and mean MEPV of postoperative day 1, while MEPV returned to normal ranges at the postoperative day 7. No statistically significant differences were observed in mean MEPV on preoperatively and 1st and 7th postoperative days in the EACA group for both right and left ears. Mean operative time was significantly higher in the EACA group compared to the CCA group (P < 0.001). Eight (22.2%) out of 36 patients who underwent CCA had a residual adenoid tissue postoperatively, while there was no residual adenoid tissue in any patients who operated via the EACA technique. Mean pain score on postoperative day 1 and 2 and blood loss were significantly less in the EACA group than the CCA group.

CONCLUSION: Endoscope-assisted coblation adenoidectomy may serve a reasonable alternative to conventional curettage adenoidectomy because it provides Eustachian tube functions preserved, decreased intraoperative hemorrhage, complete resection of the adenoid tissue, and lower pain score.