Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 16, 2026
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Radiofrequency excision versus monopolar electrosurgical excision for tonsillectomy
Philip D Littlefield1, Daniel J Hall, Michael R Holtel
1Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Tripler Army Medical Center, HI 96859-5000, USA. philip.littlefield@kor.amedd.army.mil
Objective:
We previously compared radiofrequency (Evac) tonsillotomy with monopolar electrosurgical (Bovie) tonsillectomy and showed significantly less pain with the Evac. Tonsillotomy leaves a cuff of tonsil behind, the significance of which is unknown. We hypothesize that Evac tonsillectomy also is less painful than Bovie tonsillectomy.
Study Design And Setting:
We compared Evac (ENTec Evac 70; ArthroCare, Sunnyvale, CA) and Bovie tonsillectomy in a prospective, blinded fashion. Each participant had 1 tonsil removed by each device. We recorded, by side, the surgical time, blood loss, operative difficulty, pain (postoperative days 1, 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14), and the side that each patient preferred.
Results:
Data were analyzed for 17 patients. They reported significantly less pain with the Evac (P < 0.036, F = 5.87). The Evac was preferred by 12 of 14 patients.
Conclusion:
Evac tonsillectomy is significantly less painful than Bovie tonsillectomy. Patients blinded to treatment preferred the Evac technique.
Significance:
The Evac device decreases postoperative pain.
More Related Videos
07:38Isolation of Tonsillar Mononuclear Cells to Study Ex Vivo Innate Immune Responses in a Human Mucosal Lymphoid Tissue
Published on: June 14, 2020
04:08Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Longitudinal Incision for Endoscopic Submucosal Excavation of Gastric Subepithelial Lesions
Published on: April 28, 2026
