New Surgical Techniques Could Reduce Pain And Complications In Tonsil Surgery

Main Category: Ear, Nose and Throat
Also Included In: Pain / Anesthetics
Article Date: 19 Sep 2007 - 20:00 PDT

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New surgical procedures are being developed that could help to speed healing time and reduce pain for adult patients suffering from chronic tonsillitis.

In a paper presented at the 2007 AAO-HNSF Annual Meeting & OTO EXPO, researchers discuss the efficacy of Co2 laser tonsil subtotal ablation and bipolar radiofrequency ablation tonsillectomy as an alternative treatment to conventional cold-steel tonsillectomy. Fifty-two adult patients were randomly assigned to have one tonsil removed with bipolar radiofrequency ablation and the other subtotally ablated (intracapsular vaporization of 80-90 percent of the tonsil) with Co2 laser scanner. Outcome measures included: time to treat each tonsil, blood loss, patient-reported pain intensity measured with a visual analog scale, number of days of pain, day of maximum pain, postoperative hemorrhage, and amount of healing two weeks after surgery.

The results of the study found that both alternatives were more efficient than conventional surgery with regard to pain (three times less), recovery time (six to seven days), bleeding during surgery and offered a one-day procedure period. The findings suggest new protocols for adult tonsillectomy.

Title: Coblation VS Co2 Laser for Tonsil Ablation in Adults
Authors: Marc J Remacle, MD PhD, Georges Lawson, MD, Jacques Jamart, MD
Date: Tuesday, September 18, 9:02 am - 9:10 am

The AAO-HNS Annual Meeting newsroom will be located in Registration East, Street Level of the Washington, DC Convention Center. Hours of operation: Saturday, September 15, 12 pm to 5 pm; Sunday - Tuesday, September 16 -18, 7:30 am to 5 pm; and Wednesday, September 19, 7:30 am to 2 pm. The newsroom serves as a work space for credentialed members of the media and credentialed public relations staff. The newsroom is managed and staffed by the AAO-HNS Communications Unit. Please see the AAO-HNS website for media credentialing requirements for the event - http://www.entnet.org/ent-press/online_reg.cfm.

About the AAO-HNS

The American Academy of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery , one of the oldest medical associations in the nation, represents more than 12,000 physicians and allied health professionals who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the ears, nose, throat, and related structures of the head and neck. The Academy serves its members by facilitating the advancement of the science and art of medicine related to otolaryngology and by representing the specialty in governmental and socioeconomic issues. The organization's mission: "Working for the Best Ear, Nose, and Throat Care."

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