Argon plasma coagulation versus cold dissection tonsillectomy in adults: a clinical prospective randomized study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Innovation
• Minimally Invasive Procedures

Background:

• Argon plasma coagulation (APC) utilizes ionized argon plasma for surgical procedures.
• APC offers effective hemostasis and limited tissue penetration, making it suitable for tonsillectomy.
• Traditional cold dissection tonsillectomy is a common surgical approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare "hot" APC tonsillectomy with traditional "cold" dissection tonsillectomy in adults.
• Evaluate operative time, intraoperative bleeding, and postoperative morbidity.
• Assess the safety and efficacy of APC tonsillectomy.

Main Methods:

• Prospective, randomized trial involving 226 adult patients.
• Patients were randomized into two groups: tonsillectomy with APC (TA) and conventional tonsillectomy (TB).
• Outcomes measured included operative time, blood loss, postoperative pain (Visual Analogue Scale), and hemorrhage incidence.

Main Results:

• Tonsillectomy with APC (TA) demonstrated significantly reduced operative time and intraoperative blood loss (P < .001).
• No significant differences were observed in postoperative pain intensity or hemorrhage incidence between the TA and TB groups (P > .05).

Conclusions:

• Tonsillectomy with APC is a safe and innovative alternative to conventional cold dissection.
• APC significantly decreases operative time and intraoperative bleeding.
• The APC technique does not increase postoperative morbidity, including pain and hemorrhage.