[Post-tonsillectomy hemostasis: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study comparing argon beam coagulation and monopolar electrocoagulation].
BACKGROUND
Argon Beam Coagulation (ABC) enables effective hemostasis and limited penetration depth of the coagulation zone.


OBJECTIVE
This prospective, randomized, double-blind study compares ABC and monopolar electrocoagulation for post-tonsillectomy hemostasis.


METHODS
Fifty patients undergoing elective tonsillectomy were enrolled into the study. Final hemostasis was achieved using ABC in one fossa and electrocoagulation in the other fossa, with the sides chosen at random. Postoperative bleeding, postoperative pain and the healing of the tonsillar fossa were compared for both methods.


RESULTS
No differences in any of the outcome measures were found between the two methods. ABC was felt to be faster and more comfortable than monopolar electrocoagulation.


CONCLUSIONS
ABC is an effective and comfortable method for post-tonsillectomy hemostasis.
Talmon
Yoav
Y
Department of Otolaryngology, Head & Neck Surgery, The Western Galilee Hospital, Nahariya.
Gadban
Hussein
H
Letichevsky
Vadim
V
Gilbey
Peter
P
Samet
Albin
A
D001777:Blood Coagulation; D002425:Cautery / Q000379:methods*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D004598:Electrosurgery; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D011184:Postoperative Period; D014068:Tonsillectomy