title: Radiofrequency ablation versus electrocautery in tonsillectomy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The objective of this study was to compare the safety, difficulty of removal, and postoperative pain profile of radiofrequency ablation versus standard electrocautery removal of tonsils.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective, blinded study was designed to remove 1 tonsil with each of the 2 methods. Time of operation, estimated blood loss, difficulty of operation, postoperative pain, rate of postoperative hemorrhage, and the patient's preferred technique were evaluated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The operating time was significantly longer (P < 0.007) and the patients reported significantly less pain (P < 0.001) with radiofrequency ablation. There were no differences in blood loss, difficulty of operation, or postoperative hemorrhage rates. The patients preferred the radiofrequency ablation technique (P < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Radiofrequency ablation is a viable method to remove tonsillar tissue. Operating time for this procedure will likely decrease with experience. There was significantly less pain reported with radiofrequency ablation compared with standard electrocautery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tripler Army Medical Center, HI 96859, USA. Daniel.Hall@haw.tamc.amedd.army.mil
authors.forename: Daniel J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Hall
authors.forename: Philip D
authors.initials: PD
authors.lastname: Littlefield
authors.forename: Deborah P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Birkmire-Peters
authors.forename: Michael R
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: Holtel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000379:methods*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome