Sizing Up the Adenoid

In almost any operating room in the country, one is likely to see on the surgical list a procedure entitled something like "bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion with possible adenoidectomy" abbreviated "BMT, poss Ad" or equivalent. In practice, this means that after inserting the tubes, the surgeon will examine the nasopharynx by palpation or mirror inspection, and if the adenoid is deemed to be enlarged, it will be removed.