Bipolar Radiofrequency (RF) in Pediatric Tonsillectomy: A Prospective Controlled Study

Hossam S Elsherif,Saad Elzayat

doi:10.4236/ijohns.2020.94016

Abstract

Background/Hypothesis: Tonsillectomy operation is one of the most frequently performed procedures in otolaryngology practice. Many tonsillectomy techniques have been used as a trial to improve post-operative results especially those related to pain and bleeding. We aimed to assess safety of bipolar radiofrequency tonsillectomy in pediatric patients, comparing its results with the classic cold steel technique. Study Design: Prospective controlled study. Methods: Two hundred cases were included in this study. They were placed into 2 groups which underwent tonsillectomy by 2 different techniques with comparison between the results of both groups. Results: Bipolar radiofrequency had a better result regarding time of the operation and intra-operative bleeding with similar results regarding post-operative pain and follow up. Conclusion: Bipolar radiofrequency is an effective and safe technique in total tonsillectomy with acceptable intra-operative and post-operative results regarding pain and bleeding and can be used in pediatric population with no major morbidities.

Highlights

In the recent years, many technologies have been developed in performing tonsillectomy, searching for the ideal technique regarding the intra-operative blood loss, operation time, post-operative pain, and hemorrhage [1] [2].The increasing concern about tonsillectomy is owned to its high rate as it is one of the commonest pediatric operations all over the world [3]
In our study we focused on time of the operation, amount of intra-operative bleeding, occurrence of post-operative bleeding, fever, dehydration, pain in the first day, third day, seventh day via visual analogue scale (VAS), the day of return to normal diet, the day of return to normal activity, number of days on analgesic schedule and one month follow up with observation of healing
The cases returned to the normal activity after 3.68 ± 1.12 days in group A, while they returned to the normal activity after 3.45 ± 1.167 days in group B, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (p value = 0.15) Figure 3, Table 2

Summary

Introduction

Many technologies have been developed in performing tonsillectomy, searching for the ideal technique regarding the intra-operative blood loss, operation time, post-operative pain, and hemorrhage [1] [2]. The increasing concern about tonsillectomy is owned to its high rate as it is one of the commonest pediatric operations all over the world [3]. Pain following electro-cauterization techniques compared to cold steel technique, remains con-. Many studies prefer classic cold steel technique as it is accompanied by less pain [4]

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion