Molecular resonance vs. coblation tonsillectomy in children.
BACKGROUND
Quantum molecular resonance coagulation is an innovative technology that uses molecular resonance to cut and coagulate precisely, cleanly, and hemostatically at low tissue temperature levels. This technology offers a new possibility for tonsillectomy.


OBJECTIVE
To compare molecular resonance (MRT) with coblation (CAT) devices for pediatric tonsillectomy.


METHODS
Prospective, two-group, randomized trial in a tertiary care pediatric institution. One hundred fifty-seven children for whom tonsillectomy was indicated were randomly assigned to receive MRT (n = 79) or CAT (n = 78). Main outcome measures included intraoperative time, blood loss, postoperative pain, and weight loss. Histopathologic examination was performed on all excised tonsils. Patients, parents, and pathologist were blinded to surgical modality.


RESULTS
Histopathologic evaluation revealed significantly reduced thermal injury with MRT than with CAT (43 microns vs. 126, respectively, P < .001), and was statistically associated with reduced muscular, blood vessel, and nerve fiber damage. No intraoperative blood loss was observed in patients following MRT. Statistically significant reduced pain scores were related to the MRT (P < .002). In addition, the MRT method showed a quick return to normal diet with even weight gain during the 10-day postoperative period. One child in the CAT group experienced delayed bleeding and required readmission.


CONCLUSIONS
Molecular resonance for pediatric tonsillectomy resulted in significantly reduced histopathologic thermal injury and lower pain scores compared with coblation. Further studies are advised to support these data.
D'Eredità
Riccardo
R
Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Division of Pediatric Otolaryngology, Vicenza Hospital, Vicenza, Italy. riccardo.deredita@ulssvicenza.it
Bozzola
Loredana
L
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control; D017115:Catheter Ablation; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D006488:Hemostasis, Surgical; D006801:Humans; D010147:Pain Measurement; D019106:Postoperative Hemorrhage / Q000453:epidemiology; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D014068:Tonsillectomy / Q000379:methods*