Our Summary

This study looked at the cost and complications of three different techniques used to remove adenoids in children: electrocautery, microdebrider, and coblation. The researchers analyzed over a thousand cases between 2008 and 2015, and found that electrocautery was the cheapest method, costing less than the other two. They also found that the length of time in the operating room was longest with the microdebrider. In terms of complications, there was no significant difference between the three techniques. However, they did find that children who had their adenoids removed with the microdebrider were more likely to need the surgery again. Overall, the study suggests that electrocautery is the most cost-effective method for removing adenoids in children, with similar complication rates and surgery times as the other two methods.

FAQs

  1. What were the three techniques examined in this study for removing adenoids in children?
  2. Which technique was found to be the most cost-effective for removing adenoids?
  3. Was there a significant difference in complication rates between the three techniques used for adenoid removal?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about adenoidectomy is to discuss with them the different surgical techniques available for the procedure, such as electrocautery, microdebrider, and coblation. The doctor can explain the cost, length of time in the operating room, potential complications, and likelihood of needing a repeat surgery for each technique. Based on the patient’s individual situation and preferences, the doctor can then recommend the most suitable method for removing the adenoids.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended adenoidectomy include those who have recurrent or chronic infections of the adenoids, obstructive sleep apnea, nasal congestion and difficulty breathing, or chronic ear infections. Adenoidectomy may also be recommended for patients with adenoid hypertrophy, which is an enlargement of the adenoid tissue that can cause difficulty swallowing or speaking, or a persistent runny nose.

Timeline

Before adenoidectomy:

  • The patient may experience symptoms such as difficulty breathing through the nose, snoring, sleep apnea, and frequent sinus infections.
  • The patient may undergo various diagnostic tests such as a physical examination, imaging studies, and possibly a sleep study to determine if adenoidectomy is necessary.
  • The patient and their family will meet with the ENT surgeon to discuss the procedure, risks, benefits, and post-operative care.

After adenoidectomy:

  • The patient will be under general anesthesia during the surgery, which typically lasts about 30-45 minutes.
  • After waking up from anesthesia, the patient may experience a sore throat, nasal congestion, and mild pain in the ears or throat.
  • The patient will be monitored closely in the recovery room before being discharged home the same day.
  • The patient will be prescribed pain medication, antibiotics, and instructions for post-operative care, such as avoiding strenuous activities and eating soft foods.
  • The patient may experience some mild bleeding, nasal congestion, and bad breath in the days following surgery, but these symptoms typically improve within 1-2 weeks.
  • The patient will have a follow-up appointment with the ENT surgeon to ensure proper healing and address any concerns or complications.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the different techniques available for adenoidectomy and which one do you recommend for my child?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with adenoidectomy?
  3. What is the typical recovery time after adenoidectomy?
  4. How will adenoidectomy affect my child’s ability to breathe, sleep, and speak?
  5. Are there any alternative treatments or therapies that could be considered instead of adenoidectomy?
  6. How many adenoidectomy procedures have you performed and what is your success rate?
  7. Will my child need to undergo any additional surgeries or treatments in the future after adenoidectomy?
  8. What post-operative care instructions should I follow for my child after adenoidectomy?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or implications of adenoidectomy that I should be aware of?
  10. What are the costs associated with adenoidectomy and will my insurance cover the procedure?

Reference

Authors: Sjogren PP, Thomas AJ, Hunter BN, Butterfield J, Gale C, Meier JD. Journal: Laryngoscope. 2018 Mar;128(3):745-749. doi: 10.1002/lary.26904. Epub 2017 Nov 20. PMID: 29152748