Insufficient evidence for effectiveness of adenoidectomy for recurrent or chronic nasal symptoms in children

January 01, 0001

Insufficient evidence for effectiveness of adenoidectomy for recurrent or chronic nasal symptoms in children

Clinical Question:How effective is adenoidectomy for recurrent or chronic nasal symptoms in children?

Bottom line: Current evidence regarding the effectiveness of adenoidectomy for nasal symptoms is sparse, inconclusive and has a significant risk of bias. Only 2 studies were found Ð both involved adenoidectomy (with or without myringotomy) versus non-surgical treatment or myringotomy only. It therefore remains uncertain whether adenoidectomy has an effect on recurrent symptoms (3 or more episodes of nasal symptoms in a period of 6 months, or 4 or more episodes in a period of 12 months) or chronic nasal symptoms and nasal obstruction alone.

Caveat: Due to the lack of data on factors that may modify the effect of adenoidectomy, such as age, adenoid size or allergic rhinitis, it was not possible to perform subgroup analyses and identify children that may benefit more or less from the operation. Both studies reviewed were small (76 and 180 participants, respectively), and differed regarding inclusion criteria and outcomes measured.

Context: Infections of the upper respiratory tract, presenting as recurrent nasal symptoms (nasal discharge with or without nasal obstruc¥tion) are very common in children. Adenoidectomy is frequently performed and is thought to prevent recurrence of nasal symptoms.

Cochrane Systematic Review: van den Aardweg MTA et al. Adenoidectomy for recurrent or chronic nasal symptoms in children. Cochrane Reviews 2010, Issue 1. Article No. CD008282. DOI: 10.1002/14651858. CD008282.pub2. This review contains 2 studies involving 256 participants.

Cochrane PEARLS Practical Evidence About Real Life Situations. No. 238, March 2010.
Written by Brian R McAvoy. Published by the Cochrane Primary Care Group

Category: R. Respiratory. Keywords: labour, food, drink
Synopsis edited by Dr Linda French, Toledo, Ohio. Posted on Global Family Doctor 13 July 2010

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Pearls are an independent product of the Cochrane primary care group and are meant for educational use and not to guide clinical care.