COBLATION VERSUS BIPOLAR ELECTROCAUTERY TONSILLECTOMY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Objective: To assess the mean operating time, per operative blood loss and post operative complications in Coblation tonsillectomy and Bipolar Electrocautery tonsillectomy techniques. To compare the two techniques of tonsillectomies, Coblation versus Bipolar Electrocautery, for suitability in children. To assess the rate of post operative haemorrhage in Coblation versus Bipolar electrocautery tonsillectomy. To assess the prolonged post-op pain in both procedures. 

Study design: Prospective comparative study

Place and duration of study:  Combined Military Hospital, Kharian Cantt from 1^st February 2023 to 31^st January 2024.

Methodology: Two groups named as Group A and Group B. A total of 60 children aged 4–15 years were randomly allocated into two equal groups: Group A (Coblation tonsillectomy) and Group B (Bipolar Electrocautery tonsillectomy). Operative time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative pain (assessed with Wong-Baker FACES Pain Rating Scale), and postoperative complications were recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS 29.0

Results:  The mean operative time was significantly shorter in Group B 15.45 ± 0.48 min compared to Group A 20.78 ± 1.14 min, p<0.05). Intraoperative blood loss was slightly lower in Group A (6.48 ± 0.67 ml) than Group B (7.47 ± 0.42 ml), though not statistically significant. Mean postoperative pain scores were significantly lower in Group A (2.9 ± 0.76) than Group B (3.8 ± 0.95, p<0.05). No postoperative hemorrhage occurred in Group A, whereas two cases (6.7%) of secondary hemorrhage were reported in Group B

Conclusion: It is concluded that Coblation and Bipolar Electrocautery Tonsillectomy both are beneficial in children. Electrocautery tonsillectomy has a mean less operative time