Randomized study comparing postoperative pain between coblation and bipolar scissor tonsillectomy.

Abstract

Coblation tonsillectomy has shown promising results with respect to postoperative pain when compared with other techniques. Our study was designed to compare this technique with bipolar scissor tonsillectomy. Forty adult patients with a history of chronic or recurrent tonsillitis referred for standard tonsillectomy were recruited and randomized into two groups. Twenty were operated with Coblator and 20 with bipolar scissors. Exclusion criteria were a history of quinsy, bleeding disorder, or any major health problems. All participants completed the study. Postoperative pain, return to normal diet, and estimated need for sick leave were utilized as parameters. Data on operative time, difficulty of tissue removal, and hemostasis were also analyzed. Operative time was longer (P < 0.001) and tissue removal as well as hemostasis control were more difficult (P = 0.005, P = 0.013) with Coblator than with bipolar scissors. Participants in Coblator group assessed higher pain scores 1 and 3 h postoperatively (P = 0.044, P = 0.036). From the time of extubation, patients had access to an opioid (fentanyl) via a self-controlled analgesia device. The number of doses of analgesics needed during the hospital stay was significantly higher in the Coblator group (P = 0.020). During the 14-day follow-up, no significant differences were found in pain scores, return to solid food or subjective working ability between the groups. Considering the overall outcome of the patients the results did not favor coblation technique over bipolar scissors.

• Authors: Hanna Hasan, Hannu Raitiola, Wojciech Chrapek, Juhani Pukander
• Journal: European archives of oto-rhino-laryngology : official journal of the European Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies (EUFOS) : affiliated with the German Society for Oto-Rhino-Laryngology - Head and Neck Surgery (Eur Arch Otorhinolaryngol) Vol. 265 Issue 7 Pg. 817-20 (Jul 2008) ISSN: 0937-4477 [Print] Germany
• PMID: 18034258 (Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)

Topics

• Ablation Techniques
• Adolescent
• Adult
• Convalescence
• Equipment Design
• Female
• Hemostasis
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Pain Measurement
• Pain, Postoperative (diagnosis)
• Severity of Illness Index
• Sick Leave
• Surgical Instruments
• Time Factors
• Tonsillectomy (instrumentation)