The Part Played by Adenoidectomy in the Combined Operation of Tonsillectomy with Adenoidectomy. Second Part of a Controlled Study in Children.

Most of the literature on tonsillectomy concerns the combined operation, tonsillectomy with adenoidectomy, and one is left in doubt whether the benefits can be attributed to the tonsillectomy, to the adenoidectomy, or to both parts of the operation. It was noted by Fry (1957) that otitis media featured in more than half of the children referred for tonsillectomy from his practice. In a survey of physicians in the United States, Wolman (1956) found that tonsillectomy was recommended by 77 per cent. for the relief of otitis media. However, Brown (1954) found that adenoidectomy was not likely to benefit recurring otitis media. He concluded from his review that the main indication for adenoidectomy was occlusion of the nasopharynx which was an uncommon condition. Sataloff and Menduke (1958) considered that middle ear disease causing deafness was an indication for adenoidectomy in children, but that the adenoids might also be suspect where there were other symptoms, such as nasal obstruction, running nose, and recurrent