A new instrument for use with Nd:YAG in tonsillectomy.
In tonsillectomy, unexpected bleeding can be one of the most troublesome surgical procedures to perform.  To resolve some inherent problems, we have developed a new elevator with contact Nd:YAG laser probe for blunt dissection around the tonsillar capsule.  Of 63 cases of laser tonsillectomies performed over 5 years, 51 cases were performed using conventional contact Nd:YAG laser probe and a chisel type dissector. Tonsillectomy in the remaining 12 cases was undertaken by the newly developed elevator with contact Nd:YAG laser probe.  We compared clinical evaluation between laser and conventional procedures. Additionally, the advantage of laser tonsillectomy is discussed.
Department of Otolaryngology, Kagoshima University, Japan.
I
I
Moriyama
T
T
Nobori
H
H
Nishizano
M
M
Ohgama
D000328:Adult; D004210:Dissection / Q000379:methods; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D053685:Laser Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D008297:Male; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods