Suction diathermy for adenoidectomy: complications and risk of recurrence.
OBJECTIVE
When introduced, suction coagulation was initially utilised for haemorrhage control following curettage of the adenoid pad. More recently the whole procedure has been performed using the technique. This study aims to report post-operative haemorrhage rates and risk of recurrence in adenoidectomy performed solely by suction diathermy in children.


METHODS
A retrospective study of 1411 consecutive paediatric patients. Surgery was performed using suction diathermy. No patients were excluded. All patients were followed up.


RESULTS
There were no cases of post-operative haemorrhage. 1.7% of patients remained symptomatic and underwent revision adenoidectomy. None required a third procedure.


CONCLUSIONS
Re-growth of adenoid tissue may occur despite visualisation of the nasopharynx at the time of surgery. The incidence of re-growth is similar to that reported in patients undergoing conventional adenoidectomy by curettage. Post-operative haemorrhage was not encountered in children having adenoidectomy by suction diathermy. The authors suggest suction diathermy as the most appropriate method for adenoidectomy in children.
Skilbeck
C J
CJ
Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, The Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom. chrisskilbeck@doctors.org.uk
Tweedie
D J
DJ
Lloyd-Thomas
A R
AR
Albert
D M
DM
D000233:Adenoidectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D000234:Adenoids / Q000503:physiopathology; D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008876:Middle Ear Ventilation; D010034:Otitis Media with Effusion / Q000601:surgery; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology*; D012008:Recurrence; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery; D013396:Suction; D014068:Tonsillectomy; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000601:surgery; D014432:Tympanic Membrane / Q000601:surgery