Post-operative pain in relation to different tonsillectomy techniques

ABSTRACT

Tonsillectomy, with or without adenoidectomy, is a commonly performed operation. The surgical procedure is recommended for recurrent infected tonsils as well as enlarged tonsils, which can lead to pediatric sleep apnea and other breathing disorders. The pain can be severe, and patients are often unable to perform in work or school or eat regular food for a number of days after surgery. Our study investigated four different tonsillectomy techniques in order to show the effect of different techniques on post-operative pain and these techniques were performed on 60 patients indicated for tonsillectomy. All patients were above the age of 12 years. The choice of the age above 12 years is due to the fact that pain is experienced more after tonsillectomy in adults and also to ensure better cooperation in post-operative questionnaire. In our study we divided the 60 patients into 3 equal groups; we removed the right tonsil by conventional dissection technique in all cases and used as a control side while the left tonsil was removed by different technique in each group; laser in group A, bipolar diathermy in group B and dissection with obliteration of the bed in group C. All patients received similar post operative treatment regimen and followed up for 15 days. We found that each technique has some advantages and also disadvantages as regards post-operative pain and healing and so the conventional technique is the safest for our patients and easy technique and has less complications as it decreases the morbidity after tonsillectomy