What Is a Power-Assisted Adenoidectomy?
Ear Infections
The adenoids are a single clump of tissue that’s very high in the back of your throat, behind your nose. Doctors believe that the adenoids help trap germs so they can’t get further into the body.
But sometimes the adenoids cause ear infections when the trapped bacteria travel up the Eustachian tube to the middle ear. And sometimes the trapped germs make the adenoids swell and block the Eustachian tube, causing fluid and bacteria to build up in the middle ear.
During a power-assisted adenoidectomy, the surgeon uses a special instrument called a microdebrider (MY-cro-duh-BREE-der). It has a tiny rotating tip for removing the enlarged adenoids.
The microdebrider has a curved tip which helps the surgeon put the instrument where it’s needed to remove the adenoids. Because this equipment is more precise, there’s less risk of damage to surrounding tissue.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.