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Published on: June 20, 2018
Expanding applications for the microdebrider in pediatric endoscopic airway surgery
Catherine J Rees1, Trina I Tridico, Daniel J Kirse
1Department of Otolaryngology, Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
Objective:
The microdebrider has been described for treating laryngeal papillomas, but there are no reports of other uses for this instrument in the pediatric airway. The objective of this article is to describe expanding applications for the microdebrider in pediatric airway surgery.
Study Design And Setting:
Retrospective review, tertiary care academic institution.
Results:
The microdebrider was used in 75 pediatric airway procedures. Twenty-two of these cases involved novel, previously unreported applications of the microdebrider.
Conclusions:
The microdebrider can be used safely and effectively for a variety of pediatric airway pathologies, including papillomas, granulations, and stenoses from the larynx to the distal trachea.
Significance:
Correct usage of the various tip configurations on the microdebrider has made management of many airway lesions commonly encountered by pediatric otolaryngologists safer, more expedient, and simpler than management by other methods. In our practice, this instrument largely has supplanted the use of the CO(2) laser and some open approaches for pediatric airway lesions.
Insights
The microdebrider is a safe and effective tool for various pediatric airway surgeries, including treating papillomas, granulations, and stenoses. Its use simplifies procedures for pediatric otolaryngologists.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Otolaryngology
- Airway Surgery
- Minimally Invasive Techniques
Background:
- The microdebrider is established for laryngeal papilloma treatment.
- Its broader applications in pediatric airway surgery remain largely undocumented.
Observation:
- A retrospective review was conducted at a tertiary care academic institution.
- The microdebrider was utilized in 75 pediatric airway procedures.
Findings:
- Twenty-two cases involved novel, previously unreported applications of the microdebrider.
- The instrument demonstrated safe and effective use for diverse pediatric airway pathologies, from larynx to distal trachea.
- Pathologies treated included papillomas, granulations, and stenoses.
Implications:
- Microdebrider use enhances safety, efficiency, and simplicity in managing common pediatric airway lesions.
- It has largely replaced CO2 laser and some open surgical approaches in this practice.
- Expanded microdebrider applications offer significant advantages for pediatric airway management.
