Effects of adenoidectomy and adenotonsillectomy on the components of Waldeyer ring

Background: The consolidated effects of adenoidectomy alone and adenotonsillectomy on the Waldeyer ring need to be studied in children. Methods: This was a clinical trial with a sample size of 100 in each of the two arms [Group A: adenoidectomy alone, Group B: adenotonsillectomy]. Results: It was found that the association between adenoid recurrence (Risk 3 times) and palatine tonsil hypertrophy (Risk 11 times) in Group A patients at 3 and 6 months was extremely significant. Whereas lingual tonsil hypertrophy was found to be highly associated with Group B. Conclusions: If adenoidectomy alone is performed, there are high chances of hypertrophy of palatine tonsils, lateral pharyngeal bands and a high risk of adenoid recurrence. If adenoidectomy and tonsillectomy are performed together there is some chance of lingual tonsil hypertrophy. Hence it would be prudent to perform both the surgeries simultaneously in most children for better control of chronic infections and obstructive sleep apnoea symptoms.