Ligation versus bipolar diathermy for hemostasis in tonsillectomy: a comparative study

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Techniques
• Hemostasis

Background:

• Tonsillectomy is a common ENT surgery.
• Hemostatic techniques in tonsillectomy, including bipolar diathermy and ligation, remain debated.
• Various modalities exist for tonsillectomy hemostasis, but direct comparisons are limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare bipolar diathermy with ligation for hemostasis during tonsillectomy.
• To evaluate differences in blood loss, ligature use, procedure time, and postoperative hemorrhage.
• To assess the efficacy and safety of diathermy versus ligation in tonsillectomy.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 50 patients undergoing tonsillectomy via dissection.
• Right tonsils used bipolar diathermy (study group); left tonsils used ligation (control group).
• Quantified intraoperative blood loss, ligatures applied, procedure duration, and monitored for postoperative bleeding.

Main Results:

• Bipolar diathermy resulted in a quicker surgical procedure.
• Significantly less intraoperative blood loss was observed with diathermy.
• Postoperative pain levels were comparable between diathermy and ligation groups.

Conclusions:

• Bipolar diathermy is an effective hemostatic technique for tonsillectomy.
• Diathermy offers advantages in reduced blood loss and procedure time.
• Further research may solidify diathermy as a preferred method for tonsillectomy hemostasis.