[Coblation tonsillectomy versus blunt dissection tonsillectomy]

Abstract

Objective: Compare coblation tonsillectomy with blunt dissection tonsillectomy to see if there is any difference in intraoperative bleeding, operating time, postoperative pain, tonsillar fossae healing and return to normal diet and activities.

Method: A randomised control trial was carried out to compare coblation tonsillectomy with blunt dissection tonsillectomy in 56 patients. The same surgeon operated on them all, using Arthro Care EVac 70 Wand for coblation tonsillectomy, and routine instruments for blunt dissection tonsillectomy.

Result: Coblation tonsillectomy was fast and resulted in little intraoperative bleeding. Significant reduction in postoperative pain was found in the patients with coblation tonsillectomy. Patients who had coblation tonsillectomy returned to their normal diet sooner than those who underwent blunt dissection tonsillectomy. Slower healing of the tonsillar fossae was found in the coblation group. One patient in the coblation group suffered from secondary haemorrhage.

Conclusion: Coblation tonsillectomy is easy to perform with little intraoperative bleeding. It offers significant advantages in the postoperative period, with rapid return to a normal diet and reduction in postoperative pain. But it need more time for healing of the tonsillar fossae.