What are the pros and cons of the different methods of tonsillectomy?

Doctor's Answers 1

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!

Similar Questions

How will I know if I need a tonsillectomy?

Tonsillectomy is indicated in several scenarios, including 1. Enlarged tonsils with obstructed airways 2. Sleep disorders like obstructive sleep apnoea deemed secondary to enlarged tonsils 3. One-sided tonsillar enlargement where there is a concern of cancer 4.

Photo of Human

Answered By

Human

What is this wart like swelling in my throat? (photo)

In your photos, there appears to be a small swelling on your right tonsil. It looks like it is probably benign although the only definitive way to tell for sure is to remove it and send it off for analysis. This is even more important if you smoke. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus), of which there are 4 subtypes which are usually sexually transmitted, may cause warts or papillomas, or even more worrying conditions like cancer but there is no way to say for sure that HPV is the cause of this swelling unless we remove it and run some tests.

Photo of Dr Annabelle Leong

Answered By

Dr Annabelle Leong

ENT Doctor

Ask any health question for free

I’m not so sure about a procedure...

Ask Icon Ask a Question

Join Human

Sign up now for a free Human account to get answers from specialists in Singapore.

Sign Up

Get The Pill

Be healthier with our Bite-sized health news straight in your inbox