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

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.

Tonsillectomy Outcomes for Coblation Versus Bipolar Diathermy Techniques in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction and Aims: There is no consensus on the optimal tonsillectomy technique in adult patients. The study aims to identify all studies comparing the outcomes of coblation versus bipolar diathermy in adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Primary outcomes were hemorrhage and postoperative pain. Secondary outcome measures included return to theatre, analgesia, intraoperative bleeding, diet, tonsillar healing, and operation time. Fixed-effects modeling was used for the analysis. Results: Six studies were identified enrolling a total of 1824 patients. There were no significant differences in terms of reactionary hemorrhage (OR = 1.81, P = .51), delayed hemorrhage (OR = 0.72, P = .20), or postoperative pain (mean difference = −0.15, P = .45); however, there is a general trend favuring coblation. For secondary outcomes, no significant differences noted in terms of intraoperative bleeding, diet, and cases returning to theatre. Analgesia administration was either insignificant or higher in the coblation group. The coblation group had longer operation time and greater healing effect on tonsillar tissue. Conclusions: There were no significant differences in outcomes for coblation and bipolar diathermy for adult tonsillectomy patients in this systematic review and meta-analysis.

Daflon use for reducing post-tonsillectomy pain and hemorrhage: a prospective study

Background Tonsillectomy usually was a safe procedure; in adults, the risk of agonizing pain and secondary hemorrhage could be serious. We introduced Daflon as a safe and effective complementary medication in reducing these risks. This prospective study was designed to evaluate the effect of using (Daflon oral medication) on post-tonsillectomy pain and hemorrhage rates. This study was conducted on 60 patients of both sexes, above 21 years, and underwent tonsillectomy using bipolar diathermy. Patients were randomly distributed between 2 groups; each group has 30 patients and with the same post-operative protocol; in group 2, an addition of Daflon 500 mg tablet twice daily for 14 days post-operatively was given. Results In group 2, agonizing pain start day, pain duration, analgesia duration, and need for another type, all were significantly different from group 1, starting day in group 1 (4.3 ± 4.0) and (7.2 ± 1.3) in group 2, pain duration in group 1 (7.3 ± 1.5) and (4.2 ± 1.4) in group 2 and need for more analgesia 80% in group 1 and 50% in group 2. Post-operative hemorrhage was 4 cases (13.3%) in group 1, and 2 cases (7%) in group 2, also severity of post-operative bleeding were less in group 2. Healing membrane detaching time was (12.2 ± 2.2) in group 1 and (9.1 ± 1.9) in group 2. Conclusion The use of Daflon 500 mg tablet after bipolar tonsillectomy added to effectiveness of pain control also could help in reducing bleeding rates and its severity. Overall, its use enhances recovery and improves quality of life.

Tonsillectomy Outcomes for Coblation versus Bipolar Diathermy Techniques in Adult Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction There is no consensus on the most superior tonsillectomy technique in adult patients. Recent trials involving coblation technique have shown promising results. Aim The study aims to compare the outcomes of coblation versus bipolar diathermy in adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Methods A systematic review and meta-analysis were performed as per the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and a search of electronic information was conducted to identify all Randomised Controlled Trials (RCTs) as well as non-randomised studies comparing the outcomes of coblation versus bipolar diathermy in adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Reactionary haemorrhage, delayed haemorrhage and postoperative pain were primary outcome measures. Secondary outcome measures included a return to theatre, administration of analgesia, intraoperative bleeding, diet, the effect on tonsils (degree of healing of tonsillar fossae) and operation time. Fixed effects modelling was used for the analysis. Results Four RCTs and two non-randomised studies were identified enrolling a total of 1824 patients. There were no significant differences between the coblation and bipolar groups in terms of reactionary haemorrhage (Odds Ratio [OR] = 1.81, P = 0.51), delayed haemorrhage (OR = 0.72, P = 0.20) or post-operative pain by day 7 (standardised Mean Difference [MD] = -0.15, P = 0.45). For secondary outcomes, there were no differences noted in terms of intraoperative blood loss, diet and the number of cases returned to theatre. Administration of analgesia was reported to be either insignificant between the two groups or higher in the coblation group Also, the coblation group had longer operation time and greater healing effect on tonsillar tissue. Conclusions Coblation is neither a superior or inferior option when compared to bipolar diathermy used in the current clinical practice for adult patients undergoing tonsillectomy as both techniques have similar haemorrhage rates and post-operative pain whilst also lengthening the operative time in coblation.