Radiofrequency excision versus monopolar electrosurgical excision for tonsillectomy.
OBJECTIVE
We previously compared radiofrequency (Evac) tonsillotomy with monopolar electrosurgical (Bovie) tonsillectomy and showed significantly less pain with the Evac. Tonsillotomy leaves a cuff of tonsil behind, the significance of which is unknown. We hypothesize that Evac tonsillectomy also is less painful than Bovie tonsillectomy.


METHODS
We compared Evac (ENTec Evac 70; ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA) and Bovie tonsillectomy in a prospective, blinded fashion. Each participant had 1 tonsil removed by each device. We recorded, by side, the surgical time, blood loss, operative difficulty, pain (postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14), and the side that each patient preferred.


RESULTS
Data were analyzed for 17 patients. They reported significantly less pain with the Evac (P < 0.036, F = 5.87). The Evac was preferred by 12 of 14 patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Evac tonsillectomy is significantly less painful than Bovie tonsillectomy. Patients blinded to treatment preferred the Evac technique.


CONCLUSIONS
The Evac device decreases postoperative pain.
Littlefield
Philip D
PD
Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tripler Army Medical Center, HI 96859-5000, USA. philip.littlefield@kor.amedd.army.mil
Hall
Daniel J
DJ
Holtel
Michael R
MR
D000328:Adult; D000402:Airway Obstruction / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery; D017115:Catheter Ablation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000295:instrumentation*; D006801:Humans; D006984:Hypertrophy / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D014066:Palatine Tonsil / Q000473:pathology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012008:Recurrence; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000601:surgery