Power-assisted adenoidectomy: total and partial resection.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the surgical technique for power-assisted adenoidectomy and review the safety and effectiveness of the procedure.


METHODS
Retrospective review.


METHODS
Power-assisted adenoidectomy uses a curved microdebrider shaver blade that conforms to the nasopharynx. The action of the shaver is controlled through visualization using a laryngeal mirror. Power-assisted adenoidectomy is started high in the nasopharynx, with resection beginning in the most superior aspect of the adenoid pad and moving inferiorly to the base of the pad. The cutting edge of the microdebrider remains in view continuously.


RESULTS
Between 1998 and 2001, we performed power-assisted adenoidectomy in 677 children and conducted both retrospective and prospective reviews of our experience. No instances of excess intraoperative blood loss (>150 mL), postoperative hemorrhage, velopharyngeal insufficiency, or other complication associated with adenoidectomy have occurred.


CONCLUSIONS
We have consistently demonstrated that power-assisted adenoidectomy is precise, rapid, and safe.
Koltai
Peter J
PJ
Section of Pediatric Otolaryngology, The Childrens Hospital at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195, USA. koltaip@ccf.org
Chan
James
J
Younes
Abbas
A
D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003475:Curettage / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D009302:Nasopharyngeal Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000601:surgery; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome