Comparison of Coblation Tonsillectomy vs Dissection Tonsillectomy

Abstract

Background: Tonsillectomy is one of the most commonly performed surgical operations in the recent years. It is mainly done for chronic tonsillitis and obstructive symptoms. Aims & Objectives: To compare the operating time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, time needed to return to normal diet and activity in coblation and dissection tonsillectomy. Methods: This is a prospective study done at Pushpagiri Medical College for a period of one and a half years from March 2015 to September 2016. Out of the 50 patients, 25 underwent coblation tonsillectomy and 25 underwent conventional dissection tonsillectomy. Method of surgery depended on patients’ or parents’ choice. Intra operative measures like operating time, blood loss and post-operative morbidity were measured and compared. Results: In this study, there was significant difference in intraoperative time in coblation tonsillectomy compared to cold dissection tonsillectomy (mean operative time—13.4 minutes for coblation and 20.4 minutes for cold dissection with p value less than 0.05). Intraoperative blood loss was significantly less for coblation (18.9 ml) compared to traditional (43.0 ml) with p value 0.002. Average postoperative pain score 6 hours after operation was 7.6 for coblation and 8.5 for cold dissection with a significant p value of 0.002. Average time taken to return to normal diet among coblation was 6.4 days and dissection was 7.0 days with p value of 0.078 which is not statistically significant. However, average time taken to return to normal activity among coblation was 6.3 days and dissection was 7.1 days with a significant p value of 0.024. Conclusion: Coblation tonsillectomy significantly reduces the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, immediate postoperative pain, and patient returns early to regular routine, but with a higher cost.