Comparison of Bizact™ Low Temperature Dissecting Device with Bipolar Diathermic Scissors for Tonsillectomy in Adult Patients

Abstract

Tonsillectomy is one of the most frequent surgical procedures done worldwide. While the surgical procedure may take less than 10 minutes, there is a significant related morbidity due to per- and post-operative bleeding, post-operative pain and delayed return to normal activity and diet [1]. There is no consensus on the optimal method and device for surgery; use of cold dissection or coblation or diathermia scissors, with electro-cautery as needed; are advocated by different authors. The BIZact ™ vessel seal instrument (Medtronic, Mansfield, MA, USA) is a new technology with continuous measurements of tissue impedance, in order to deliver minimally bipolar energy for dissection and vessel sealing, with minimal thermal damage of remaining tissue [2]. The purpose of the present prospective, partly double-blinded study, was to evaluate the usefulness of BIZact for surgery in a population of adult tonsillectomy patients, in terms of: safety, bleeding, perioperative easiness and time consume, as well as postoperative parameters such as pain, resumption of oral intake, bleeding and overall satisfaction.