A Review and Outcome of Adenoidectomy Performed in Resource Limited Settings

Adenoidectomy remains invaluable in alleviating the obstructive symptoms of adenoid enlargement in children. The aim of this study is to review the conventional method of adenoidectomy with a view to establish its role and success in resource limited setting. A 5-year retrospective review of pediatric patients that had adenoidectomy operations done at two tertiary healthcare facilities was conducted. The clinic, ward, theatre registers and the patients’ case files were the sources of information. Patients that had adenoidectomy with other otolaryngological procedures were excluded from the study. Data generated were descriptively analyzed using SPSS version 14.0. A total of 71 patients had adenoidectomy done. Of this, 65 cases were reviewed. There were a total of 45 males and 20 females with age range 11 months–10 years. The main indication for surgery was obstructive nasal symptoms. Conventional adenoidectomy was performed with standard adenoid curette. Intra-operative blood loss was less than 60 ml and none of the patients had blood transfusion. The average duration of admission post-operatively was 1.1 day. Fifty-eight (89 %) of the patients were relieved of their obstructive symptoms postoperatively. Conventional curettage adenoidectomy still have a role to play especially in resource limited setting where newer techniques may be nothing but a luxury. Adequate preoperative work-up, good anesthetic and surgical techniques are sine-qua-none to successful surgical outcome. There is also a need for early referral to otolaryngologists as this will not only ensure optimal intervention but also minimal postoperative complications.