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["Ultrasound tonsillectomy" in comparison with conventional tonsillectomy]
U Haegner1, M Handrock, H Schade
1Klinik für HNO-Krankheiten, Plastische Kopf- und Halschirurgie, Klinikum Nord-Heidberg, Tangstedter Landstrasse 400, 22417 Hamburg.
HNO
|November 12, 2002
Summary
Ultrasound tonsillectomy using the Harmonic Scalpel did not prove superior to conventional methods. While intraoperative bleeding was lower, it resulted in increased postoperative bleeding and slower wound healing.
Area of Science:
- Otolaryngology
- Surgical Technology
- Minimally Invasive Surgery
Background:
- Tonsillectomy recovery is challenging due to pain and secondary hemorrhage.
- The Ultracision Harmonic Scalpel offers simultaneous cutting and coagulation.
- A study was designed to compare ultrasound tonsillectomy with conventional techniques.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the efficacy and safety of ultrasound tonsillectomy versus conventional tonsillectomy.
- To evaluate differences in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain, and wound healing.
Main Methods:
- A randomized prospective simple blind study.
- 25 tonsillectomies performed with Ultracision (TEuc-group) and 25 with conventional methods (TEkonv-group).
- Patients aged 18-65 years.
Main Results:
- Median intraoperative blood loss was significantly lower in the TEuc-group (19.0 g) compared to the TEkonv-group (176.0 g).
- Pain symptoms were comparatively less in the TEuc-group.
- Postoperative blood loss was higher in the TEuc-group (7/25 vs. 3/25), with slower wound healing, and larger wound covering and uvula swelling.
Conclusions:
- The ultrasound technique for tonsillectomy is not superior to the conventional method.
- Despite reduced intraoperative bleeding, increased postoperative complications were observed with the ultrasound technique.