Efficacy and adverse effects of vessel sealing system tonsillectomy versus cold knife tonsillectomy: A pilot study

Abstract

Introduction : The vessel sealing system has been widely used เท head and neck surgery; and it has been proved quite efficacious and safe. We compared vessel sealing system tonsillectomy (VSST) to the traditional cold knife tonsillectomy (CKT), with special regard to intraoperative bleeding, operation time, postoperative pain, and complications.

Objective : To study of efficacy and adverse effects of vessel sealing system tonsillectomy versus cold knife tonsillectomy.

Materials and Methods : A randomized, self-paired controlled study was conducted on 13 consecutive patients undergoing tonsillectomy. Indications included chronic inflammation and/or sleep-disordered breathing. The subjects were randomly assigned to either the VSST or CKT group. Intraoperative bleeding, operation time, and complication rates were evaluated.

Results : Thirteen patients were enrolled in this study. Mean +/- SD of Conclusion the operation time in the VSST group, CKT group and paired difference = 4.15+/- 2.73, 9.85+/-5.74 and 5.69 +/- 5.45 minutes, respectively (95% Cl = 2.39 - 8.99; p - value < 0.01 by using paired t-test). Median (interquartile range) of intraoperative bleeding in the VSST group, CKT group and paired difference = 0.00 (0.00- 1.00),25.00 (12.50- 37.00) and 20.00 (8.00-36.50) milliliters, respectively (p-value <0.01 by Wilcoxon signed-rank test). No immediate postoperative bleeding (within 24 hr) occurred in all subjects. Delayed postoperative bleeding (after 24 hr) was found in two subjects in the CKT group. No other complication in was found in both groups.

Conclusion : The VSST was effective and safe. It providing better hemostasis, less intraoperative blood loss, and required less operation time than the cold knife tonsillectomy.