Suction diathermy for adenoidectomy: complications and risk of recurrence.

OBJECTIVES

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.