Tonsillectomy refers to the surgical removal of the tonsils. Many methods have been described and used. The most common methods used by most ENT Specialists in Singapore are:
- Cold-steel dissection (using surgical blade and dissector)
- Monopolar or bipolar diathermy (using electrical energy)
- Coblation (using radiofrequency energy through a saline medium)
The main difference between these methods is the amount of heat produced during surgery. Diathermy produces the highest heat while cold-steel dissection does not involve any. If less heat is used during surgery, less tissue will be damaged and there will be less risk of postoperative bleeding and pain.
However, most studies have shown conflicting results. Indeed, some studies showed that one method is slightly better than the other in terms of postoperative pain, bleeding and time taken to return to normal diet and daily activities, while other studies showed no difference.
It had been shown that all 3 methods mentioned are safe and effective with a postoperative bleeding rate of <5% demonstrated. I would advise you to discuss it with your surgeon as to which method/s he/she is most comfortable with and works best in his/her hands.
Hope this helps and all the best!
