A double-blinded randomized controlled trial of coblation versus conventional dissection tonsillectomy on post-operative symptoms.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this study was to compare postoperative symptoms following coblation tonsillectomy with those experienced following a traditional cold dissection.


METHODS
A prospective randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Secondary otorhinolaryngology care.


METHODS
Ninety-two adult patients with recurrent tonsillitis meriting tonsillectomy were recruited and randomly allocated into either coblation or cold dissection tonsillectomy groups.


METHODS
Primary outcomes were post-operative pain, otalgia, swallowing and analgesia use at 6-8 hours, 1, 3, 7 and 14 days post-operative. Secondary outcomes were post-operative day returned to eating and returned to normal activities/work.


RESULTS
No significant differences between the two groups (P >or= 0.1) were found in any of the above primary outcomes, apart from swallowing at 6-8 hrs post-operatively where the cold dissection group had less pain. This group also returned earlier to normal eating (P = 0.03). The power of the study was sufficient to show a difference in the visual analogue scores of 2 between groups.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of coblation to perform tonsillectomy does not confer any symptomatic benefits to the patient over conventional cold dissection tonsillectomy.
Philpott
C M
CM
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Leicester Royal Infirmary, University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust, Leicester, UK. carl.phillpot@btopenworld.com
Wild
D C
DC
Mehta
D
D
Daniel
M
M
Banerjee
A R
AR
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000601:surgery