title: Erbe constant voltage electrocautery versus conventional variable voltage electrocautery for tonsillectomy in children.
abstract: This prospective, randomized study was performed to compare postoperative 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 encountered. The Erbe device has the inherent capability to maintain constant voltage, i.e. no surging as well as varying wattage according to 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 adenotonsillectomy were enrolled in the study. Results indicated less postoperative pain, although blood loss appeared to be increased compared to conventional electrocautery. The Erbe electrocautery device appears to be a viable device to perform tonsillectomy in children.
authors.affiliation: Children's Hospital of Alabama, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Department of Surgery 35233, USA.
authors.forename: A M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Neumann
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Wiatrak
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical; D001810:Blood Volume; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation*; D016896:Treatment Outcome