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Effect of diathermy on pain and healing in tonsillectomy, compared with other methods of haemostasis: a randomised study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  10 October 2008

C H Hahn ,
J A Rungby ,
T Overgaard ,
H Møller ,
P Schultz  and
M Tos
C H Hahn*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
J A Rungby
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
T Overgaard
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
H Møller
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
P Schultz
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
M Tos
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Christoffer Holst Hahn, Gjorslevvej 14, DK – 2720 Vanløse, Denmark. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Objective:

To compare three methods of haemostasis used for ‘cold steel’ tonsillectomy, in terms of pain scores and morbidity.

Method and material:

Prospective, randomised, single-blinded, controlled clinical study. Three haemostasis methods were compared: compression of the tonsillar fossae with gauze packs; bipolar diathermy; and local anaesthesia then pack compression. The outcome measures were pain scores (derived from a visual analogue scale), peri-operative bleeding, and post-operative episodes of blood-stained saliva, consultation rate, tonsillar bed healing and days before return to regular diet. One hundred and five patients were included.

Results:

Peri-operative bleeding was significantly reduced in the local anaesthesia group compared with the other two groups. Delayed post-operative tonsillar bed healing was noted in the diathermy group. No other significant differences were found between the three haemostasis groups, for any other outcome measures. The presence of blood-stained saliva was associated with higher pain scores.

Conclusion:

Diathermy and compression were associated with similar post-tonsillectomy morbidity.

Keywords

TonsillectomyPost Operative PainHaemostasisCautery
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 123 , Issue 6 , June 2009 , pp. 648 - 655
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2008

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