Monopolar tonsillotomy versus cold dissection tonsillectomy in children: Prospective study on postoperative recovery

To compare postoperative self-reported recovery results with monopolar tonsillotomy and cold dissection tonsillectomy in children. To evaluate the feasibility of the monopolar technique in tonsillotomy.

Children <12 years undergoing tonsillotomy or tonsillectomy between April 2018 and March 2020 who (with a caregiver) were willing to participate in a two-week follow-up formed the study group. They filled in a questionnaire about pain-related outcomes, return to normal activities, weight changes, complications, and length of home care.

Altogether 166 patients were recruited; 103 (62%) returned the questionnaire. The first pain-free day with tonsillotomy was day 5 and with tonsillectomy day 11. After tonsillotomy, patients returned to normal activities faster, e.g. they were able to eat normally 6.5 days earlier than tonsillectomy patients. During the first postoperative week weight dropped after tonsillectomy, but not after tonsillotomy. The length of home care was 6 days with tonsillotomy and 10 days with tonsillectomy. The incidence of postoperative hemorrhage (including minor bleedings at home) was 14% after tonsillotomy and 32% after tonsillectomy. Hemorrhages needing interventions were 0% with tonsillotomy and 2% with tonsillectomy.

Children operated on with monopolar tonsillotomy recovered faster and had less postoperative hemorrhage than those undergoing tonsillectomy. They were able to return earlier to daycare/school and their caregivers back to work. Recovery results with monopolar tonsillotomy were equal to other tonsillotomy techniques reported in the literature, hence the monopolar technique can be considered an alternative method to perform tonsillotomy.