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Double-blind, randomised, controlled study of post-operative pain in children undergoing radiofrequency tonsillotomy versus laser tonsillotomy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 April 2010

K Stelter ,
R de la Chaux ,
M Patscheider  and
B Olzowy
K Stelter*
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Centre, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
R de la Chaux
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Centre, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
M Patscheider
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Centre, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
B Olzowy
Affiliation:
Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Centre, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
*
Address for correspondence: Dr Klaus Stelter, Dept of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Centre, Ludwig Maximilians University, Marchioninistr 15, 81377 Munich, Germany. Fax: +49 89 7095 6869 E-mail: klaus.stelter@med.uni-muenchen.de
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Abstract

Introduction:

In the last decade tonsillotomy has come into vogue again, whereas the number of tonsillectomies is decreasing rapidly. Currently, most tonsils are reduced by utilise electrosurgery, radiofrequency or carbon dioxide laser. However, it is not clear whether radiofrequency tonsillotomy is as effective as laser or other surgical techniques in respect of post-operative pain and haemorrhage.

Material and methods:

A prospective, randomised, double-blinded, controlled, clinical study was conducted in the otorhinolaryngology department of Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany. Twenty-six children with tonsillar hypertrophy were included. Exclusion criteria were: history of peritonsillar abscess, previous tonsil surgery, tonsillitis within two weeks, pain before surgery, psychiatric illness, asymmetrical tonsils, chronic analgesic usage, bleeding disorders and other surgical procedures during the same operation. Tonsillotomy was performed on one side with radiofrequency and on the other side with a carbon dioxide laser. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon, under general anaesthesia. A visual analogue scale was used to measure patients' pain on each side, administered by a ‘blinded’ nurse on the three post-operative mornings and evenings, within the hospital.

Results:

There was no difference in post-operative pain scores or haemorrhage, comparing laser versus radiofrequency tonsillotomy. Patient's overall reported pain was very modest compared with post-tonsillectomy pain. No haemorrhage or other adverse effects were observed.

Keywords

TonsillectomyLaserRadiofrequency SurgeryPainIntraindividual designVASPostonsillotomy
Type
Main Articles
Information
The Journal of Laryngology & Otology , Volume 124 , Issue 8 , August 2010 , pp. 880 - 885
Copyright
Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited 2010

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