Thermal welding technology vs ligasure tonsillectomy: a comparative study.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of the study was to compare and assess parameters related to thermal welding tonsillectomy (TWT) vs ligasure tonsillectomy (LT).


METHODS
This was a prospective randomized study.


METHODS
A prospective study was conducted on 143 consecutive adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Indications included chronic tonsillitis and obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. Patients undergoing adenoidectomy or any procedure together with tonsillectomy and patients with peritonsillar abscess history or bleeding disorders were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned to either the TWT or LT group. Intraoperative bleeding, operative time, postoperative pain using a visual analogue scale, and complication rates were evaluated.


RESULTS
There was no measurable intraoperative bleeding in any group. No significant difference regarding mean operative time was noted. Mean postoperative pain score was significantly lower in the TWT group. Late postoperative hemorrhage was noted in 1 subject of the TWT and 2 subjects of the LT group. Mild uvula edema was significantly lower in the TWT group.


CONCLUSIONS
Both TWT and LT procedures provide sufficient hemostasis and reduced operative time, although lower postoperative pain and mild uvula edema were noted in TWT procedures. Furthermore, since both methods use single-use instruments, they provide safety against diseases such as Creutzfeld-Jakob disease.
Karatzanis
Alexandros
A
Department of Otolaryngology, University of Crete School of Medicine, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Bourolias
Constantinos
C
Prokopakis
Emmanuel
E
Panagiotaki
Irene
I
Velegrakis
George
G
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004487:Edema / Q000209:etiology; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D008026:Ligation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage; D011446:Prospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000379:methods*; D014609:Uvula / Q000473:pathology