Tonsillectomy using the thermal welding system.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate and introduce a new method of tonsillectomy using the Thermal Welding System (TWS).


METHODS
The TWS is a new surgical instrument which uses direct heat and pressure to seal and divide tissues. Fifty consecutive patients underwent tonsillectomy with the use of the TWS. Inclusion criteria were chronic tonsillitis, peritonsilar abscess history and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Patients undergoing adenoidectomy or any other procedure together with tonsillectomy and patients with bleeding disorders were excluded. Intraoperative bleeding, operative time, complication rates and return to normal diet were evaluated.


RESULTS
There was no measurable bleeding during surgery in any case. No postoperative hemorrhage or other complication occurred. Mean operative time was 23 min. Mean time for return to normal diet was 8.7 days.


CONCLUSIONS
The TWS was found quite effective and safe, providing sufficient hemostasis and minimal intraoperative blood loss.
Karatzias
George T
GT
Department of Otolaryngology, General Hospital of Larissa, Larissa, Greece. gkaratz@otenet.gr
Lachanas
Vassilios A
VA
Papouliakos
Sotirios M
SM
Sandris
Vassilios G
VG
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D002648:Child; D004435:Eating / Q000502:physiology; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D000039:Peritonsillar Abscess / Q000601:surgery; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000517:prevention & control; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020181:Sleep Apnea, Obstructive / Q000601:surgery; D013997:Time Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D014069:Tonsillitis / Q000601:surgery