Comparison between bipolar diathermy tonsillectomy and cold dissection tonsillectomy

A prospective study was carried out in the department of otolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) and Bangladesh Medical college Hospital, Dhaka. From January, 2007 to January, 2009 to compare between Bipolar Diathermy Tonsillectomy and Cold Dissection Tonsillectomy. Two hundred patients were divided equally into two groups- bipolar diathermy tonsillectomy and cold dissection tonsillectomy. The two groups were compared in age and sex distribution but there was no significant difference (p>0.05) between the two groups. Operative time, operative blood loss, postoperative pain, diet intake, activity level and complications were compared in the two groups. Operative time and blood loss was significantly less in the diathermy group which was highly significant (p<0.001). No significant difference (p>0.05) in the postoperative pain was observed. Percentage of normal diet taken was higher in the diathermy group on the 1st day and lower on the 7th day while the difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). No significant difference (p>0.05) was noted between the two groups in terms of postoperative activity and postoperative blood loss. Operative blood loss & time was significantly less in bipolar diathermy tonsillectomy. So it is a safe technique and can be used safely with less morbidity & complication.