A Prospective Observational Study Comparing Coblation Assisted Tonsillectomy With Conventional Tonsillectomy

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, “tonsillectomy” is the most common operative procedure performed in otorhinolaryngology. Conventional dissection and snare tonsillectomy, although effective and cost-efficient, are frequently associated with significant intraoperative bleeding and postoperative pain. In the modern health care system, “coblation-assisted tonsillectomy” has introduced a promising alternative technique. It utilizes controlled radiofrequency energy for tissue dissection at lower temperatures, thereby minimizing collateral thermal injury. Hence, we compare the intraoperative and postoperative outcomes between coblation-assisted and conventional tonsillectomy techniques.

Methodology: We conducted a prospective observational study at a tertiary health care center in Mumbai over a period of 18 months. We enrolled a total of 40 patients with chronic tonsillitis, and these participants were randomly divided into two groups: conventional (n=20) and coblation-assisted tonsillectomy (n=20). Furthermore, outcomes such as operative time, blood loss, postoperative pain, hemorrhage, and recovery were assessed. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, with a p-value < 0.05 considered as statistically significant.

Results: In this study, a total of 40 patients (19 males and 21 females with a mean age of 15.82 ± 8.44 years) were enrolled with no significant demographic difference between groups (p > 0.05). The coblation group showed significantly shorter operative time, less intraoperative blood loss, and lower postoperative pain scores on days 1, 2, and 7 (p < 0.001). Recovery was faster in the coblation group, with fewer postoperative complications and no bleeding episodes.

Conclusion: Coblation-assisted tonsillectomy was a superior, patient-friendly technique with less pain, minimal bleeding, and faster recovery, making it a preferred alternative to the conventional method.