Bipolar diathermy versus cold dissection in paediatric tonsillectomy.
OBJECTIVE
To compare bipolar diathermy with cold dissection in paediatric tonsillectomy.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty children were randomized equally into bipolar diathermy tonsillectomy (BDT) and cold dissection tonsillectomy (CDT). Operative time, operative blood loss, postoperative pain, diet intake, activity level and complications were compared in the 2 groups.


RESULTS
The 2 groups were comparable in age and sex distribution. Operative time and blood loss was significantly less in the diathermy group. No significant difference in the postoperative pain except on the 3rd day in which the cold dissection group showed significantly lower pain score. Mean percentage of diet was significantly higher in the diathermy group on the 1st day. No significant difference between the 2 groups in terms of postoperative activity and complications.


CONCLUSIONS
BDT is a safe technique of tonsillectomy. There is significant less operative time and blood loss with similar morbidity compared to CDT, so it can be used safely in children.
Hesham
Ahmed
A
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Magrabi Eye and Ear Hospital, P.O.Box: 513, Postal Code 112, Muscat, Oman. ahesham73@yahoo.com
D002675:Child, Preschool; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology; D013997:Time Factors; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000379:methods* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data