Etiological role of adenoids upon otitis media with effusion.

To clarify the etiological role of adenoids in OME, the effects of adenoidectomy on Eustachian tube function and nasal sinusitis were examined. Adenoids were found to exert no influence upon tubal opening pressure, nor patency of the Eustachian tube in a static condition. Active function of the tube during swallowing, however, was improved significantly by the adenoidectomy. In addition, adenoidectomy improved nasal sinusitis, and in such patients, their active tubal function was satisfactory. From these results, adenoidectomy was considered to cure OME, partly via improvement of the pathological condition of the nasopharynx represented by nasal sinusitis.