Coblation vs electrocautery tonsillectomy: postoperative recovery in adults.
OBJECTIVE
Comparison of coblation and monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy in terms of postoperative pain and recovery.


METHODS
Prospective double-blind randomized controlled trial.


METHODS
Patients with recurrent tonsillitis requiring tonsillectomy were randomized to 2 groups: coblation or monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy. Postoperative pain, complications, and days taken to return to work and normal diet were compared and analyzed with the aid of a pain diary, given to the patient.


RESULTS
67 patients were recruited. Patients undergoing coblation tonsillectomy were able to return to normal diet in a shorter space of time following surgery. Patients undergoing coblation tonsillectomy were more likely to recommend the surgery than patients undergoing electrocautery tonsillectomy. No significant differences in the daily visual analog score for pain were seen for both groups of patients.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results showed that coblation tonsillectomy has a faster recovery period and may offer advantages when compared to monopolar electrocautery tonsillectomy.
Tan
Alvin Kah Leong
AK
Division of Otolaryngology, Changi General Hospital, Republic of Singapore. alvintkl@yahoo.com
Hsu
Pon Poh
PP
Eng
Soh Ping
SP
Ng
Yuk Hui
YH
Lu
Peter Kuo Sun
PK
Tan
Su Meng
SM
Say
Jia Huey
JH
Chan
Yiong Huak
YH
D000328:Adult; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004564:Electrocoagulation; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D011446:Prospective Studies; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000534:rehabilitation; D014945:Wound Healing