Objective: Curettage adenoidectomy is one of the most common methods of adenoidectomy. This study reports the incidence of residual adenoid tissue after curettage and grades the degree of post-nasal space obstruction using fibre-optic nasopharyngoscopy.
Methods: A retrospective study of 425 consecutive patients undergoing curette adenoidectomy in a 5-year period.
Results: Of the 425 patients, 288 (68%) had some residual adenoid tissue evident with nasopharyngoscopy, of which 104 (24%) had significant obstruction (grade 2 or 3). No age or sex difference was found in the likelihood or severity of residual adenoid tissue.
Conclusions: A significant proportion of patients will have residual adenoid tissue following curette adenoidectomy alone. Nasopharyngoscopy permits a more complete resection in a cost-effective, quick and easily performed additional step.