• Alvin Kah Leong Tan, Pon Poh Hsu, Soh Ping Eng, Yuk Hui Ng, Peter Kuo Sun Lu, Su Meng Tan, Jia Huey Say, and Yiong Huak Chan.
• Division of Otolaryngology, Changi General Hospital, Republic of Singapore. alvintkl@yahoo.com
• Otolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2006 Nov 1; 135 (5): 699-703.

ObjectiveComparison of coblation and monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy in terms of postoperative pain and recovery.Study DesignProspective double-blind randomized controlled trial.MethodsPatients with recurrent tonsillitis requiring tonsillectomy were randomized to 2 groups: coblation or monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy. Postoperative pain, complications, and days taken to return to work and normal diet were compared and analyzed with the aid of a pain diary, given to the patient.Results67 patients were recruited. Patients undergoing coblation tonsillectomy were able to return to normal diet in a shorter space of time following surgery. Patients undergoing coblation tonsillectomy were more likely to recommend the surgery than patients undergoing electrocautery tonsillectomy. No significant differences in the daily visual analog score for pain were seen for both groups of patients.ConclusionsOur results showed that coblation tonsillectomy has a faster recovery period and may offer advantages when compared to monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy.

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