• R H Temple and M S Timms.
• Department of Otolaryngology, Blackburn Royal Infirmary, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 3LR, UK. r.temple@talk21.com
• Int. J. Pediatr. Otorhinolaryngol. 2001 Dec 1; 61 (3): 195-8.

ObjectiveTonsillectomy has been described using a number of techniques. Recently 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.MethodsA double blind randomised control trial to compare the technique of tissue coblation with standard bipolar dissection to remove tonsils in 38 children on the waiting list for tonsillectomy, with a history of chronic tonsillitis or obstructive tonsils.ResultsA significant reduction in post-operative pain was found in the children whose tonsils were removed by tissue coblation (P<0.0001). More rapid healing of the tonsillar fossae was found in the coblation group. Children who had their tonsils removed by coblation were found to return to their normal diet far sooner than those who underwent bipolar dissection. There were no episodes of primary or secondary haemorrhage in either group.ConclusionsThis new technique using tissue coblation for tonsil removal offers significant advantages in the post-operative period, with rapid return to a normal diet and a drastic reduction in analgesic requirements following the surgery.

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