Comparative study between radiofrequency coblation and traditional adenoidectomy

Abstract

Background Adenoid hypertrophy is known to be the most common cause of nasal obstruction in children; thus, adenoidectomy with or without tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical procedures in the pediatric population. The widely used conventional curette adenoidectomy was first described. Dissatisfaction with this technique led to the use of other methods, including powered-shaver adenoidectomy, bipolar electrocautery, coblation, and LASER. Aim This study aimed to compare the endoscopic-assisted coblation adenoidectomy to conventional adenoidectomy (by cold instruments) in terms of safety, efficacy, results, and complications. Patients and methods Eighty patients were diagnosed depending on history, clinical examination, and radiology. The patients were operated on by either conventional or coblation adenoidectomy and divided into two groups: the patients in group A underwent conventional adenoidectomy, whereas the patients in group B underwent coblation adenoidectomy. The intraoperative parameters studied were operative time, intraoperative bleeding, and completeness of removal of adenoid. Postoperative parameters included assessment of postoperative pain, resolution time, and complications. Results It was found that although coblation has a longer operative time, it is a safe and effective alternative to curette adenoidectomy, it is more complete and accurate, there is less intraoperative blood loss, less postoperative pain, and fast resolution time, and fewer complications. Conclusion Coblation adenoidectomy proved to be safe and effective; however, reducing the cost is mandatory before considering it as the modality of choice for adenoidectomy.