Concept
Head and neck procedures
Adenoidectomy is often performed for the following indications:
- Recurrent or persistent otitis media (due to obstruction of the eustachian tube by enlarged adenoids)
- Adenoid hypertrophy resulting in upper airway obstruction (snoring, obstructive sleep apnoea)
- In association with a tonsillectomy for recurrent tonsillitis
- Recurrent or chronic sinusitis or adenoiditis
- Dysphagia with failure to thrive
- Speech impairment
Complications of adenoidectomy include haemorrhage, usually manifesting as persistent nasal bleeding within 6 to 12 hours of operation. The patient must be returned to theatre and the bleeding managed by insertion of a post-nasal pack or other methods of haemostasis such as diathermy.
Secondary haemorrhage is rare, occurring 5-10 days postoperatively. It resolves with bed rest and antibiotic therapy.
Correct Answer:
A
ASCENT 