The “Hummer”: New Instrumentation for Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery

The “Hummer” microdebrider is a powered rotary shaving device with continuous suction. Its use in functional endoscopic sinus (FES) surgery allows precise and delicate removal of diseased tissue. Traditional FES instruments frequently cause trauma to non-diseased mucosa or inadvertently strip mucous membranes, both of which are counter to the functional concepts. The “Hummer” facilitates preservation of mucosa and vital structures, such as the middle turbinate, by resecting diseased, obstructive tissue with very limited blood loss. Simultaneous continuous suction at the operative site is a marked benefit of this instrument, which helps overcome the well-recognized problem of blood pooling that increases the potential for operative morbidity. Polypectomies are performed in a more precise manner with very little blood loss so that visibility is usually unimpaired, even in patients with cystic fibrosis. The instrument is applicable to most FES cases and is the authors’ preferred technique, even for small pediatric patients. Accelerated healing and reduced synechiae were observed in these patients.