Diathermy versus cold steel dissection for tonsillectomy

ABSTRACT

To evaluate the intraoperative benefits of diathermy tonsillectomy technique against conventional steel dissection and silk ligature technique. Quasi experimental. Place and duration of study Civil Hospital Karachi, Cheviot General Hospital and Baqai Medical University Hospital Karachi from January 1998-November 200I. 256 patients of both genders, age range between 5-30 years. Tonsillectomy by electro dissection in one consular fossa [TF] and by cold steel dissection in the other consular fossa in the same patient was reviewed. Diagnosed cases of chronic tonsillitis and sleep apnea syndrome [obstructive type]. Exclusion criteria Bleeding disorders and any co-morbids like hypertension and respiratory tract infections etc. Intraoperative time and blood loss was found significantly less in tonsillar fossa where diathermy dissection was employed as compared to conventional cold steel dissection and silk ligature technique. Diathermy could be a useful and effective technique for tonsillectomy operation