Intracapsular Tonsillectomy Using Plasma Ablation Versus Total Tonsillectomy: A Systematic Literature Review and...

Area of Science:

• Otolaryngology
• Surgical Oncology
• Minimally Invasive Surgery

Background:

• Tonsillectomy is a common surgical procedure for various tonsillar conditions.
• Traditional total tonsillectomy involves complete removal, potentially leading to significant postoperative morbidity.
• Intracapsular tonsillectomy techniques aim to preserve tonsil tissue, potentially reducing complications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare postoperative patient outcomes between intracapsular tonsillectomy using plasma ablation and total tonsillectomy.
• To evaluate the efficacy and safety of plasma ablation for intracapsular tonsillectomy.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and observational studies was performed.
• Databases searched included Embase and PubMed in March 2022.
• Qualitative synthesis and meta-analysis were employed to compare outcomes.

Main Results:

• Seventeen studies involving 1996 (intracapsular) and 4565 (total) patients were included.
• Intracapsular tonsillectomy significantly reduced time to pain-free status, analgesia, normal diet, and normal activity.
• The risk of post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage was significantly lower with intracapsular tonsillectomy (RR 0.36).

Conclusions:

• Intracapsular tonsillectomy with plasma ablation demonstrates comparable efficacy to total tonsillectomy for tonsil surgery indications.
• This technique significantly reduces postoperative morbidity and the likelihood of hemorrhage.
• Patients undergoing intracapsular tonsillectomy experience a faster return to normal life.