A new instrument for use with Nd:YAG in tonsillectomy.

In tonsillectomy, unexpected bleeding can be one of the most troublesome surgical procedures to perform. To resolve some inherent problems, we have developed a new elevator with contact Nd:YAG laser probe for blunt dissection around the tonsillar capsule. Of 63 cases of laser tonsillectomies performed over 5 years, 51 cases were performed using conventional contact Nd:YAG laser probe and a chisel type dissector. Tonsillectomy in the remaining 12 cases was undertaken by the newly developed elevator with contact Nd:YAG laser probe. We compared clinical evaluation between laser and conventional procedures. Additionally, the advantage of laser tonsillectomy is discussed.