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Updated: Jul 15, 2026

A Technique for Subcutaneous Abdominal Adipose Tissue Biopsy via a Non-diathermy Method
Published on: September 30, 2017
Suction diathermy for adenoidectomy: complications and risk of recurrence
C J Skilbeck1, D J Tweedie, A R Lloyd-Thomas
1Department of Paediatric Otolaryngology, The Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children, London WC1N 3JH, United Kingdom. chrisskilbeck@doctors.org.uk
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.
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