The coblation tonsillectomy learning curve.
OBJECTIVE
To establish if there is a learning curve for coblation tonsillectomy.


METHODS
Regression analysis of data obtained from surgeons identified from the Australian Tonsillectomy Survey.


METHODS
Thirty otolaryngologists were invited to contribute audit data. Data were stratified into groups of 10 procedures and analysed with regression analysis.


RESULTS
Nineteen (70%) surgeons responded. Complete data were obtained for 1700 cases and return to theatre data on 2062 cases. There was a significant learning curve with respect to both primary (P = 0.050) and secondary (P = 0.028) hemorrhage rates. Mean rates were 0.3% (95% CI 0.1% to 0.7%) and 2.1% (95% CI 1.5% to 2.9%) for primary and secondary bleeds, respectively, with return to theatre in 0.2% (95% CI 0.1% to 0.5%) and 1.3% (95% CI 0.9% to 1.9%), respectively.


CONCLUSIONS
The introduction of coblation tonsillectomy into Australia was associated with a statistically significant learning curve with respect to both primary and secondary hemorrhage rates.
Carney
A Simon
AS
The Department of Otolaryngology, Flinders Medical Centre, Adelaide, Australia. simon@ent-surgery.com
Harris
Penelope K
PK
MacFarlane
Patricia L
PL
Nasser
Simon
S
Esterman
Adrian
A
D001315:Australia; D002983:Clinical Competence; D004502:Education, Medical, Continuing / Q000379:methods*; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D010036:Otolaryngology / Q000193:education*; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000193:education* / Q000592:standards