Comparison of tonsillectomy by standard dissection/snare technique and KTP laser method: a pilot study

ABSTRACT

A pilot study compared the post-operative morbidity following tonsillectomy by potassium-titanyl Phosphate laser [KTP/532] and standard dissection/snare methods. Twenty one consecutive patients over the age of 12 years had the tonsil on one side removed by standard dissection and that on the other side by KTP/532 laser. The intra-operative blood loss was greater in male and older patients [p=0.01] and significantly less on the KTP laser side [9.8 +/- 5.2 ml] than the dissection side [40.5 +/- 12.2 ml]; p = 0.001. During the first two days following surgery; 71.4% of patients experienced more pain on the laser side. By the first week 76.2% of patients felt both side of the throat were equally painful. At the end of second week 6 1.9% of patients had more persistent pain on the laser side compared to the dissection side. After four weeks all patients had recovered fully. This pilot study showed KTP/laser tonsillectomy had reduced intra-operative blood loss but there was more pain and increased risk of secondary hemorrhage compared to the side of standard dissection. Based on our initial results, we suggest a larger prospective randomized controlled study to compare both methods of tonsillectomy and to determine the potential to perform laser tonsillectomy as a day care procedure