Tonsillectomy--some like it hot

Abstract

Methods of tonsillectomy using electrocautery for dissection and hemostasis are gaining popularity. A prospective, controlled, randomized, single blind study was designed to compare this method to tonsillectomy performed by scissor dissection with suture hemostasis. In general, tonsillectomy by electrocoagulation was found to reduce operative time and blood loss, and to increase postoperative pain and prolong healing. Overall morbidity in the study was low, and no significant differences in complications, e.g., bleeding were noted.