Regrowth of the adenoids after adenoidectomy down to the pharyngobasilar fascial surface

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to explore adenoid regrowth after transoral power-assisted adenoidectomy down to the pharyngobasilar fascial surface.

Methods: Transoral adenoidectomy down to the pharyngobasilar fascia surface was performed on 39 patients under endoscopic guidance, using a power-assisted system. The operation time, amount of blood loss and iatrogenic injury, presence of complications, and success and regrowth rates were recorded to assess the feasibility, safety and effectiveness of our surgical technique.

Results: In this adenoidectomy procedure, the pharyngobasilar fascia was left intact. The estimated blood loss was 5-50 ml (mean 15 ml), and the success rate was 97.3 per cent. Early complications occurred in 2.3 per cent of patients, while no long-term complications occurred in the cohort. No regrowth was found in the follow-up assessments, which were performed for 18-36 months after surgery.

Conclusion: Adenoid regrowth was rare after adenoidectomy down to the pharyngobasilar fascial surface. The pharyngobasilar fascia can therefore be considered a surgical boundary for adenoidectomy.

Keywords: Adenoidectomy; Adenoids; Endoscopes; Fascia; Nasopharynx.