Comparison of LigaSure Vessel Sealing System, Harmonic Scalpel, and Cold Knife Tonsillectomy

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We sought to compare LigaSure Vessel Sealing System tonsillectomy (LT), Harmonic Scalpel tonsillectomy (HST), and cold knife tonsillectomy (CKT). STUDY DESIGN: We conducted a prospective study on 161 adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Subjects were randomized to LT, HST, or CKT groups, and intraoperative bleeding, operative time, postoperative pain, and complication rates were assessed. RESULTS: The LT, HST, and CKT groups consisted of 50, 43, and 37 individuals, respectively. Intraoperative bleeding was significantly lower in the LT group, whereas bleeding in the HST group was significantly lower than that in the CKT group. Operative time and postoperative pain were significantly lower in the LT and HST groups. One primary hemorrhage occurred in the HST group, and one occurred in he CKT group. Secondary hemorrhage occurred in one, two, and one patients in the LT, HST, and CKT groups, respectively. CONCLUSION: LT and HST have shown comparable results regarding intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hemorrhage, and pain. Compared with CKT, both were associated with less intra-operative blood loss and pain.