Comparison of Radiographic Parameters and Perioperative Quality of Life According to the Degree of Adenoid Extension to Choana

Abstract

Background and Objectives The aims of this study were to clarify the impact of adenoidal extension toward the choana on the quality of life and to find differences in radiographic parameters between patients needing additional excision with a 90-degree tip and those who only require a 40-degree debrider tip.Subjects and Method Patients who underwent adenoidectomy with both 40-degree and 90-degree debrider tips were defined as the difficult-to-treat (DTT) group. Patients who underwent adenoidectomy using only a 40-degree debrider tip were defined as the control group. We measured the antroadenoidal distance, the adenoidal nasopharyngeal ratio (ANR), the length from the adenoid to hard palate, and reviewed the Korean Obstructive Sleep Apnea-18 (KOSA-18) scale scores.Results There was no difference in the quality of life due to OSA between the DTT and control groups, pre- and post-operatively. Correlation analysis between the antroadenoidal distance and the pre-operative KOSA-18 scale scores revealed a negative correlation. The antroadenoidal distance was shorter in the DTT group; however, a cut-off value could not be obtained. The ANR was a statistically discriminatory, but not effective, factor.Conclusion There was no difference in the KOSA-18 scale scores between the groups with the adenoidal extension toward the choana and the control. The ANR should be considered in the pre-operative radiographic evaluation but is not a diagnostic parameter for choanal extension. Further studies to find additional parameters are necessary.