Electrodissection Tonsillectomy-Reply

Abstract

In Reply. —We appreciate Dr Goodman's comments. Although we were distressed to learn of his report of a similar tube fire, it confirms our suspicion that our case was not an isolated occurrence. We have not experienced any difficulty by using a Crowe-Davis mouth gag in combination with an oral RAE tube. The tube maintains its position in the center of the tongue without difficulty. We have not noted a change in the proximity of the tube to the tonsil when using a standard endotracheal tube. It has been our practice to use an insulated tip on the cautery while performing electrodissection tonsillectomy. However, additional observations have shown that the insulation itself is flammable in a high-oxygen environment providing an additional reason to take measures to reduce oxygen concentration in the mouth. NEWS AND COMMENT Current Clinical Concepts in Otolaryngology. —The Department of Otolarynology of the University of Miami School