ERBE CONSTANT VOLTAGE ELECTROCAUTERY VERSUS CONVENTIONAL VARIABLE VOLTAGE ELECTROCAUTERY FOR TONSILLECTOMY IN CHILDREN

This prospective, randomized study was performed to compare postoperat ive pain, blood loss, and procedure time using the Erbe electrocautery device and conventional electrocautery. The Erbe device differs from conventional cautery devices in that it produces constant voltage and variable wattage whereas conventional devices produce variable voltage and constant wattage. This means that the conventional devices allow voltage surges and constant wattage no matter what type of tissue is e ncountered. The Erbe device has the inherent capability to maintain co nstant voltage, i.e. no surging as well as varying wattage according t o tissue resistance. This, in theory, allows the Erbe device to impose less tissue damage and, theoretically, less postoperative pain. Fifty -seven patients 5-21 years of age who were scheduled for adenotonsille ctomy were enrolled in the study. Results indicated less postoperative pain, although blood loss appeared to be increased compared to conven tional electrocautery. The Erbe electrocautery device appears to be a viable device to perform tonsillectomy in children. (C) 1997 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd.