The cheek expander enables tonsillectomy with a wide view and working space

Abstract

ObjectiveTonsillectomy is the most commonly performed otolaryngological surgeries.Although a surgical method had been established, obtaining a clear surgical field still remains problematic, and injury to the corners of the mouth may occur. For safer tonsillectomy, we use a cheek expander coupled with a Davis mouth gag. The devise retract both corners of the mouth to a wide lateral position. We report here our investigation in the application of a cheek retractor for tonsillectomy and also report the advantages of this device. MethodsA series of 13 tonsillectomies (7 adults and 6 children) using the cheek retractor from November 2017 to March 2018 were enrolled for this study. The cheek retractor was applied after the Davis mouth-opening device was in place. We measured the oral angle diameter before and after placement of the cheek retractor. ResultsThis devise increases the width of the visual field 1.6 times and provides a good surgical field. In addition, this device covers the mouth fully and safely, so no lip injury develops ConclusionThe cheek retractor is useful for improving the narrow working space in tonsillectomy.