The debate continues: a prospective, randomised, single-blind study comparing Coblation and bipolar tonsillectomy techniques

Abstract

AbstractObjectives:Tonsillectomy is a common procedure with significant post-operative pain. This study was designed to compare post-operative pain, returns to a normal diet and normal activity, and duration of regular analgesic use in Coblation and bipolar tonsillectomy patients.Methods:A total of 137 patients, aged 2–50 years, presenting to a single institution for tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy were recruited. Pain level, diet, analgesic use, return to normal activity and haemorrhage data were collected.Results:Coblation tonsillectomy was associated with significantly less pain than bipolar tonsillectomy on post-operative days 1 (p= 0.005), 2 (p= 0.006) and 3 (p= 0.010). Mean pain scores were also significantly lower in the Coblation group (p= 0.039). Coblation patients had a significantly faster return to normal activity than bipolar tonsillectomy patients (p< 0.001).Conclusion:Coblation tonsillectomy is a less painful technique compared to bipolar tonsillectomy in the immediate post-operative period and in the overall post-operative period. This allows a faster return to normal activity and decreased analgesic requirements.