Ultrasonic tonsillectomy

High-frequency ultrasound is an effective mechanism for cutting and coagulating tissue. It is widely used in laparoscopic surgery and may have advantages in tonsillectomy. Twenty-five consecutive cases of tonsillectomy were performed using an ultrasonic scalpel; these were compared with a similar previous consecutive group performed by conventional cold dissection and monopolar electrocautery. There was no undue primary bleeding in either group and no immediate or late postoperative bleeding. Since adenoidectomy was often performed and the total blood loss in each group was so small, no statistical difference could be determined between the groups. No complications were noted in either group. The ultrasonic scalpel has the potential to produce a bloodless tonsillectomy and less collateral tissue damage and is easy to use. There may be less postoperative pain, although this could not be shown statistically in this retrospective study. Ultrasonic tonsillectomy appears to be a safe, and possibly a superior, method of performing this common operation.