Coblation cryptolysis for treatment of tonsillar stones: a randomized clinical study

Abstract

Abstract Background Tonsillectomy is usually indicated in patients with tonsillar stones. It is thought coblation cryptolysis avoids the hazards related to monopolar bipolar diathermy and the regular cold surgical technique. This study compared the peri-operative outcomes in patients with tonsillar stones submitted to coblation cryptolysis, monopolar bipolar dissection, and cold dissection techniques. This randomized study included 105 patients with tonsillar stones. The included patients comprised three groups: GI (n = 35) was subjected to cold dissection, GII (n = 35) was subjected to monopolar bipolar diathermy tonsillectomy, and GIII (n = 35) was subjected to coblation cryptolysis. Outcome parameters included operative time, intraoperative bleeding, consumption of postoperative analgesia, and time to normal food intake. Results GIII patients experienced significantly shorter operative time, less intraoperative bleeding, less consumption of postoperative analgesics, and less time to normal diet when compared with the other two groups. Conclusion Coblation cryptolysis is a safe and effective technique in the management of tonsillar stones. It appears to be superior to other surgical interventions.