Pediatric total tonsillectomy using coblation compared to conventional electrosurgery: a prospective, controlled single-blind study

Abstract

Objective: Postoperative recovery after tonsillectomy using Coblation excision (CES) was compared with conventional electrosurgery (ES).

Study design and setting: Patients aged 3 to 12 years from 3 clinical sites were randomly assigned and blinded to receive tonsillectomy using CES (n = 44) or ES (n = 45).

Results: Operative parameters did not differ between groups. Return to normal diet, activity, and pain-free status were similar, although fewer CES patients contacted the physician regarding postoperative complications (33% vs 54%; p = 0.081), experienced nausea (35% vs 62%, p = 0.013), or had localized site-specific swelling (p < 0.05) during the 2 weeks after surgery. In addition, CES children tended to discontinue prescription narcotics 1 day earlier than ES patients (7 vs 8 days, p = 0.071) and took one half as many daily doses. More CES than ES parents rated the postoperative experience as 'better than expected' (79% vs 60%, p = 0.055).

Conclusion and significance: Children who received CES tonsillectomy appeared to experience a better quality postoperative course, with no detriment to operative benefits of conventional electrosurgery.