Comparison of electrodissection and dissection / snare tonsillectomy in children

ABSTRACT

Comparison of a new surgical tonsillectomy technique, electrodissection, using bipolar diathermy with the traditional dissection/snare technique. A randomized prospective study on one hundred patients who underwent tonsillectomy between 1st January - 31st October at Queen Alia Military Hospital [QAMH] was carried out. The enrolled patients were alternatively randomized to either bipolar electrodissection [Group I] or dissection / snare technique [Group II]. The operative time was shorter in group I compared to group II, 11 min. vs. 21.5 min. [p<0.0001], and the intraoperative blood loss was 5cc vs. 36cc respectively [p<0.0001] The time to the first intake of solid food, but not liquids, was significantly shorter in group I compared to group 1I, 9.5 vs. 16.5 hours [p<0.0001]. Bipolar electrodissection is an effective and safe surgical technique compared to the traditional methods and is highly recommended in the pediatric age group