Suction diathermy adenoidectomy

Current evidence on the safety and efficacy of suction diathermy adenoidectomy is adequate to support the use of this procedure provided that normal arrangements are in place for clinical governance, consent and audit.

This procedure should be carried out only by surgeons with specific training in the use of diathermy for adenoidectomy because thermal damage to surrounding tissues can, rarely, cause Grisel's syndrome (subluxation of the atlantoaxial joint).