Paediatric coblation tonsillectomy

Objective: Tonsillectomy has been described using a number of techniques. R ecently Coblation Technology has been used to remove tonsils with anecdotal evidence of a reduction in post-operative morbidity. In this study we aim to see if there is any difference in post-operative pain, tonsillar fossae healing and return to a normal diet performing tonsillectomy. using tissue coblation compared with standard bipolar dissection. Methods: A double blin d randomised control trial to compare the technique of tissue coblation wit h standard bipolar dissection to remove tonsils in 38 children on the waiti ng list for tonsillectomy, with a history of chronic tonsillitis or obstruc tive tonsils. Results: A significant reduction in post-operative pain was f ound in the children whose tonsils were removed by tissue coblation (P<0.00 01). More rapid healing of the tonsillar fossae was found in the coblation group. Children who had their tonsils removed by coblation were found to re turn to their normal diet far sooner than those who underwent bipolar disse ction. There were no episodes of primary or secondary haemorrhage in either group. Conclusions: This new technique using tissue coblation for tonsil r emoval offers significant advantages in the post-operative period. with rap id return to a normal diet and a drastic reduction in analgesic requirement s following the surgery. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.