Postoperative Outcomes in Cold Dissection Versus Bipolar Electrocautery Tonsillectomy: A Randomized Double-Blind...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Techniques
• Clinical Trials

Background:

• Tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure performed globally.
• Established techniques include cold dissection (CDT) and bipolar electrocautery (BET).
• Comparative analysis of postoperative outcomes between CDT and BET is crucial for optimizing patient care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess and compare postoperative outcomes of tonsillectomy using cold dissection technique versus bipolar electrocautery technique.
• Evaluate differences in pain, analgesic use, diet resumption, body temperature, and wound healing.

Main Methods:

• A double-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial involving 534 patients undergoing tonsillectomy.
• Patients were systematically allocated to either CDT or BET groups.
• Postoperative outcomes including pain scores, otalgia, analgesic consumption, diet, temperature, and wound healing were measured and compared.

Main Results:

• The bipolar electrocautery (BET) group experienced significantly higher mean pain scores at 4 and 24 hours post-operation (p < 0.001).
• Otalgia was also significantly higher in the BET group at 4 hours (p = 0.008).
• All other measured parameters, including analgesic consumption, diet resumption, body temperature, and wound healing, were significantly more favorable in the cold dissection technique (CDT) group (p < 0.001).

Conclusions:

• Cold dissection technique (CDT) appears to be a safer and more favorable method for tonsillectomy compared to bipolar electrocautery technique (BET).
• CDT offers superior postoperative outcomes, including reduced pain and improved recovery.
• Further research may validate CDT as the preferred technique for tonsillectomy.