Adenoidectomy and Adenotonsillectomy in Osogbo, Nigeria, Indications, and Outcomes: A Retrospective Clinical Review
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Abstract
Background: Adenoidectomies and tonsillectomies are among the most common paediatric procedures worldwide. We reviewed the clinical records of adenotonsillectomies performed at our center, with the aim of informing surgical best practices.
Methods: This retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted at UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, Nigeria. The study reviewed five-year records of patients from January 2018 to December 2022. Descriptive analyses were used to summarise results.
Results: A total of 428 folders of children aged 1 – 15 years (mean age 5.7 ± 3.2 years) were retrieved, male to female ratio 3:2. The mean duration of symptoms was 6.8 ± 2.3 months. Indications were adenotonsillectomy 364 (85.1%), tonsillectomy 41 (9.6%), and adenoidectomy 23 (5.4%). Patients presented with more than one symptom, including recurrent nasal obstruction 428 (100%), mouth breathing 421 (98.4%), and snoring/noisy breathing 411 (96%). Recurrence occurred in 53 (12.4%), of whom 14 (3.3%) had repeat surgeries. Predisposing factors to recurrence were allergy 33 (62.3%), age < 1 year 7 (13.2%), scaring 4 (7.5%), and no identifiable factor 9 (17.0%). General anaesthesia and muscle relaxant were used in 296 (69.2%) cases. Adenotonsillectomy had the highest mean blood loss, 50 ± 2.5ml. The commonest analgesic was paracetamol alone in 45.1%. Postoperative complications were pain 45 (10.5%), PONV 76 (17.6%), and respiratory problems 6 (1.4%). No mortality was recorded.
Conclusion: In our center, adenotonsillectomies were effective, with low complications and satisfactory outcomes. Recurrence is linked to allergy and early age. Anaesthesia was safe, underscoring the ability of low-resource centers to deliver high-quality ORL procedures.
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