Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 12, 2025
CO2-Lasertonsillotomy Under Local Anesthesia in Adults
Published on: November 6, 2019
Carbon footprints of various subtotal tonsillectomy techniques
Y Camhi1, S Cerceau2, M Didier3
1Service d'ORL et chirurgie cervicofaciale, hôpital Necker-Enfants malades, Paris, France; Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Paris, France.
Objectives:
The aim of the present study was to assess greenhouse gas emissions for the main current subtotal tonsillectomy techniques.
Materials And Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted in 2 French university hospital pediatric ENT departments in 2022. The target techniques were radiofrequency with single-use or reusable needle, coblation, and dissection by cold instruments or by bipolar forceps. The medical devices required by each technique were listed and respective greenhouse gas emissions (carbon footprint, in kg eCO2) were calculated, according to weight, energy consumption and place of production.
Results:
Coblation generated a carbon footprint of 8.6kg eCO2, versus 0.1-0.2kg eCO2 for the other techniques.
Conclusion:
Greenhouse gas emissions in subtotal tonsillectomy differ greatly according to technique. Bipolar dissection and radiofrequency have a smaller footprint than coblation. This type of data, which needs to be weighed over time according to medical benefit, should be systematically taken into account in choosing hardware for surgery.
Related Concept Videos
01:23Chronic Pharyngitis
Etiology
It often arises from persistent viral or bacterial infections affecting sinuses and tonsils.
Additional contributing factors include inadequate dental hygiene, mouth breathing, recurring tonsillitis, allergic rhinitis, laryngopharyngeal reflux, and exposure to smoke, chemicals, and other environmental pollutants. Allergic reactions to pollen, mold, and pet dander, chronic cough, excessive voice usage,...
01:26Tonsillitis II: Management
01:29Suctioning the Nasopharyngeal Airway
Equipment Required
01:26Endoscopic Procedures IV: Sigmoidoscopy and Laproscopy
Sigmoidoscopy
Sigmoidoscopy is a diagnostic procedure that uses a flexible sigmoidoscope equipped with a light source and camera to examine the rectum and sigmoid colon. The procedure involves inserting the tube through the anus...
01:26Endoscopic Studies II: Thoracocentesis
Description
Excess pleural fluid or air may accumulate in some respiratory disorders in the thoracic cavity. To treat pleural effusion, a physician conducts thoracentesis by carefully piercing the chest wall and entering...
01:30Endoscopic Studies I: Bronchoscopy and Thoracoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Description
Bronchoscopy is a procedure that involves direct visualization of the larynx, trachea, and bronchi for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. A flexible fiber optic or rigid bronchoscope is used to carry out the procedure. The fiber-optic bronchoscope is more frequently used due...