The Role of Adjuvant Adenoidectomy and Tonsillectomy in the Outcome of the Insertion of Tympanostomy Tubes

Otitis media is the most common medical problem for which children in North America see a doctor 1 , 2 and the most common reason for surgery in children. 3 – 7 Standard surgical treatment is a myringotomy with insertion of a tympanostomy tube. 8 In several randomized trials adenoidectomy performed in conjunction with the insertion of tympanostomy tubes (adjuvant adenoidectomy) improved outcomes, measured in terms of overall complications, the length of time in which effusion of the middle ear was present, and the need for retreatment. 9 – 15 Combined adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy (adenotonsillectomy) did not improve outcomes more than adjuvant adenoidectomy alone. 9 – 12 Adjuvant adenoidectomy . . .