title: A study of haemostasis following tonsillectomy comparing ligatures with diathermy.
abstract: The use of diathermy to achieve haemostasis after tonsillectomy remains controversial. We have reviewed the English language literature, and found no convicting evidence that diathermy is any more likely to cause post-operative haemorrhage than the use of ligatures. The results of a prospective, randomized study of 1036 consecutive tonsillectomies are presented. No significant difference was found in post-operative haemorrhage rates when either diathermy or ligatures were used. Diathermy was found to reduce operating time compared to ligatures. The possibilities for day-case tonsillectomy are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology, Freeman Hospital, Newcastle.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Watson
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Dawes
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Samuel
authors.forename: H F
authors.initials: HF
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Rayappa
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hill
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Meikle
authors.forename: G E
authors.initials: GE
authors.lastname: Murty
authors.forename: J A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Deans
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Telios
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000556:Ambulatory Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013537:Sutures; D013997:Time Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000379:methods*