Power-assisted partial adenoidectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To describe partial adenoidectomy using a powered microdebrider and review the experience with the procedure.


METHODS
Prospective study and review.


METHODS
To perform a power-assisted partial adenoidectomy, the surgeon directs the window in the microdebrider blade tip toward the tissue, which is drawn in by suction; the rotating blade then shaves the tissue. Studies have compared this adenoidectomy technique with curette procedures.


RESULTS
In a comparative prospective study, we found that operating time and time required for hemostasis were significantly shorter (P =.001) with power-assisted partial adenoidectomy than with curettage. There was no significant difference between the two procedures in blood loss or complication rate. These results were similar to those of previous studies. Overall, we have performed more than 1000 power-assisted partial adenoidectomies. No long-term complications have occurred, blood loss remains low, and surgeons are satisfied with the technique because of its speed, improved visibility during resection, and precision.


CONCLUSIONS
We and other authors have found power-assisted partial adenoidectomy to provide a faster, more precise operation than curette techniques, with benefits for both patient and surgeon.
Rodriguez
Kimsey
K
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana 70121, USA.
Murray
Nicole
N
Guarisco
J Lindhe
JL
D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003475:Curettage / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D004869:Equipment Safety; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000517:prevention & control; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D016896:Treatment Outcome