Endoscopic Adenoidectomy
Meyer first characterized the adenoid, a nasopharyngeal lymphoid tissue that is part of the Waldeyer ring, in 1868. Adenoidectomy is one of the most commonly done surgeries on children today, either alone or in combination with tonsillectomy or the insertion of ventilation tubes. In 1885, the commonly used conventional curette adenoidectomy was first reported.
Though uncommon, complications such as hemorrhage, insufficient removal, eustachian tube stenosis, and nasopharyngeal stenosis are best avoided by accurate excision of adenoid tissue while preserving the integrity of nasopharyngeal structures. Dissatisfaction with standard techniques for removing adenoid tissue effectively and safely has led to the development of alternative treatments, such as endoscope guided power-shaver adenoidectomy.