Ligation versus bipolar diathermy for hemostasis in tonsillectomy: a comparative study

Tonsillectomy despite being less performed nowadays still is a very common surgery performed by ENT surgeons. The use of various modalities like bipolar diathermy, laser, cryosurgery, radiofrequency and ionic coblation for hemostasis in tonsillectomy remains controversial so far. A thorough scan of literature comparing the ligation with diathermy has been presented. In this prospective study, we analysed 50 patients undergoing tonsillectomy by dissection method. Right sided tonsillectomies act as study group (bipolar diathermy used) and left sided tonsillectomies as the control group (ligation for hemostasis used). The aim of our study is to compare the amount of blood loss, number of ligatures applied, average time taken and incidence of postoperative haemorrhage following the use of ligation and bipolar diathermy. The study found that diathermy hemostatic technique is associated with a quicker procedure, less intraoperative blood loss, comparable postoperative pain.     

Postoperative bleeding after diathermy and dissection tonsillectomy

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the incidence and pattern of bleeding after tonsillectomy performed by either cold dissection or diathermy. DESIGN: A prospective, nonrandomized cohort study of postoperative hemorrhage after tonsillectomy. METHODS: Monthly reporting of the number of tonsillectomies and postoperative bleeds from otolaryngologists working in rural areas of Victoria, Australia over a 2.5 year period. Criteria for bleeding were either 1) repeat anesthesia and surgery because of hemorrhage (including return to theater from the recovery room), or 2) readmission to hospital because of bleeding, or 3) blood transfusion to replace blood loss. Main outcome measures were the incidence, volume, and time course of postoperative hemorrhage. RESULTS: The number of bilateral tonsillectomies with removal by cold-blunt dissection was 3,087. In this group, there were 57 (1.85%) bleeds. The number of bilateral tonsillectomies with removal by diathermy dissection was 1,557. In this group, there were 37 (2.38%) bleeds. If cold dissection is taken as the "control" and diathermy tonsillectomy as the "treatment" group, the relative risk of bleeding after diathermy tonsillectomy is 1.30 (95% confidence interval 0.88-1.93). The pattern of bleeding after each technique differs significantly over time, with more reactionary bleeds in the dissection group and more bleeds between 4 to 7 postoperative days after diathermy. When bleeding occurred, it was in excess of 500 mL in 16% of dissection cases and 43% of diathermy tonsillectomies. CONCLUSIONS: The difference in the risk of bleeding after each technique did not reach statistical significance, but the temporal pattern of hemorrhage differed, and more bleeds exceeding 500 mL were seen in the diathermy group.     

Standard bipolar diathermy forceps vessel ligation is safe in thyroidectomy

Bleeding is a major complication of thyroid surgery. A retrospective study was performed comparing the outcomes of patients undergoing thyroid surgery where bipolar diathermy with standard bipolar forceps was used for vessel ligation (n = 64) compared to clamp-and-tie (n = 89). Fewer drains were inserted and patients were discharged earlier when standard bipolar diathermy was used for vessel ligation in hemithyroidectomies (P < 0.001). Complication rates were similar. The use of bipolar diathermy with standard forceps for vessel ligation in thyroid surgery has been shown to be as safe and effective as the clamp-and-tie technique, while resulting in earlier patient discharge. This technique is cost-efficient as it provides the advantage of reduced inpatient stay reported using bipolar vessel sealing devices or the harmonic scalpel, but without the additional expense.     

Blunt dissection to bipolar forcep tonsillectomy- a comparision

Conclusion  Bipolar diathermy forcep or scissors dissection is safe and trusted and established procedure now and have an edge over blunt dissection. If monopolar diathermy is used, high voltage current should be used for dissection with fine point and if bipolar is used, low voltage current should be used, diathermy tip should be cleaned with wet gauge piece, fossae should be packed with wet gauge only, minimum required current and only coagulation should be attempted, avoid injury to surrounding tissue resulting to minimum sloughing. Avoiding thermal injury to surrounding tissues leads to lesser post operative pain. Results depends upon the precision of technique and expertise developed over a time especially coagulating the vessel during dissection before spurt. Considering cost effectiveness, bipolar diathermy is much economical than ultrasonic and laser to provide comparable results in terms of better results, duration of surgery, anaesthesia and overall postoperative morbidity.     

Post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage in children: a single surgeon’s experience with coblation compared to diathermy

The aim of this study was to compare coblation and diathermy techniques with respect to secondary post-tonsillectomy hemorrhage (PTH). A total of 1,397 children underwent tonsillectomies with or without adenoidectomy by a single surgeon in a single center from June 2005 through December 2011. A diathermy tonsillectomy was performed on 315 patients for the first 2 years, while a coblation tonsillectomy was performed on 1,082 for the next 5 years. All patients were followed-up within 28 days of surgery by the same surgeon. The characteristics of primary and secondary PTH were analyzed with a retrospective chart review. Primary PTH did not occur in both surgical technique groups. Secondary PTH occurred in 9 patients (2.9 %) in the diathermy group and in 30 patients (2.8 %) in the coblation group. The secondary PTH rates were 1.2, 2.5, 3.8, 3.1 and 4.5 % in the first, second, third, fourth and fifth years after employment of the coblation tonsillectomy, respectively (P = 0.243). Sex, age, tonsil size and severity of tonsillar embedding were not significant factors for PTH. The coblation technique was associated more with late secondary PTH than diathermy technique (odds ratio 9.14, P = 0.049). Analysis of the time of onset of PTH showed that secondary PTH occurred most commonly between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. In summary, coblation technique has similar secondary PTH rate with diathermy technique although it has increased late secondary PTH rate in children. Coblation technique can be a good alternative to the diathermy technique.     

Routine tonsillar bed oversew after diathermy tonsillectomy: does it reduce secondary tonsillar haemorrhage?

Tonsillectomy is a common otolaryngological procedure and is associated with a small risk of postoperative pharyngeal haemorrhage. This study compares secondary post tonsillectomy haemorrhage rates between two operative techniques: diathermy tonsillectomy and diathermy tonsillectomy with tonsillar bed oversew. A total of 424 patients underwent tonsillectomies with or without other procedures such as adenoidectomy and grommet insertion by two ears, nose and throat surgeons at three hospitals from May 2012 to July 2013. A diathermy tonsillectomy was performed in 266 patients, while a diathermy tonsillectomy with tonsillar bed oversew was performed in 158 patients. All patients were followed up within 2–4 weeks of surgery. Primary haemorrhage did not occur in either surgical technique groups. Secondary haemorrhage occurred in 20 patients (7.52 %) in the diathermy tonsillectomy group and in 9 patients (5.70 %) in the diathermy with tonsillar bed oversew group. This result was not significantly different (OR = 0.74, 95 % CI 0.33–1.67, p = 0.47). Sex, age, indication for surgery and whether or not a tonsillectomy was performed alone or with other procedures were not significant factors for secondary haemorrhage. In summary, routine tonsillar bed oversew after diathermy tonsillectomy does not reduce the risk of secondary tonsillar haemorrhage.     

Management of third branchial pouch anomalies – An evolution of a minimally invasive technique

Objectives

The management of third branchial pouch anomalies has evolved in recent times with the popularisation of the endoscopic diathermy technique to sclerose the pyriform fossa sinus opening. We present our experience in managing 3 children with third branchial pouch anomalies and propose a minimally invasive management algorithm avoiding open neck surgery.

Methods

Retrospective case review of 3 patients including demographics, mode of presentation, investigations, management and complications.

Results

Three children, two male and one female of mean age 9.6 years presented with painful left anterior neck swelling. Axial neck imaging showed a superficial abscess with air locules and a sinus tract leading towards the left pharynx. Diagnosis was confirmed by endoscopic examination of the pyriform fossa revealing a sinus opening. Two patients underwent open excision; one combined with diathermy to the sinus opening. The last patient was diagnosed at his initial presentation and managed with endoscopic diathermy of the sinus opening combined with percutaneous needle aspiration of the neck abscess at the same sitting. One patient had two recurrences, the first after initial open surgery and the second after the first cautery. Two patients developed temporary hoarseness after the procedure, which resolved within two weeks. All patients were free from recurrences at follow-up.

Conclusions

Introduction of the technique of endoscopic diathermy to the pyriform fossa sinus opening in children with third branchial pouch anomalies has revolutionised their management avoiding open and potentially morbid surgery. Our algorithm takes this further by advocating percutaneous needle aspiration of the infective component and performing diathermy to the sinus opening at the first presentation.     

Submucosal diathermy of the inferior turbinate and the congested nose

Surgical correction of the congested nose is frequently attempted. In the absence of a septal deformity, engorgement of the inferior turbinate is usually held to be the culprit, and various procedures have been advocated to counter this problem. Submucosal diathermy to the inferior turbinates is widely practised, but relatively little has been published about it. 204 patients who underwent submucosal diathermy of the inferior turbinates between 1977 and 1983 have been studied. 60 patients have been followed up by questionnaire, for periods ranging from 1 to 5 years since surgery. Surgery was of benefit in up to 72% of cases. Surgical technique and the problems of patient selection and assessment are discussed.     

Suction diathermy for adenoidectomy: complications and risk of recurrence

OBJECTIVES: When introduced, suction coagulation was initially utilised for haemorrhage control following curettage of the adenoid pad. More recently the whole procedure has been performed using the technique. This study aims to report post-operative haemorrhage rates and risk of recurrence in adenoidectomy performed solely by suction diathermy in children. METHODS: A retrospective study of 1411 consecutive paediatric patients. Surgery was performed using suction diathermy. No patients were excluded. All patients were followed up. RESULTS: There were no cases of post-operative haemorrhage. 1.7% of patients remained symptomatic and underwent revision adenoidectomy. None required a third procedure. CONCLUSIONS: Re-growth of adenoid tissue may occur despite visualisation of the nasopharynx at the time of surgery. The incidence of re-growth is similar to that reported in patients undergoing conventional adenoidectomy by curettage. Post-operative haemorrhage was not encountered in children having adenoidectomy by suction diathermy. The authors suggest suction diathermy as the most appropriate method for adenoidectomy in children.     

Suction diathermy adenoidectomy

This technique uses a combination of monopolar diathermy and suction to perform a controlled resection of the adenoids in a near bloodless field. A clear view of the entire resection is obtained with a mirror. There is minimal blood loss and postoperative haemorrhage rate is extremely low. The authors describe the technique used and discuss their experience.     

Surgical management of intractable epistaxis: audit of results

We have audited our results after changing the management practice in patients with intractable epistaxis. These patients are offered trans-nasal endoscopic sphenopalatine artery diathermy with or without anterior ethmoid artery diathermy instead of conventional surgical procedures. During the first year after the change in practice, 145 patients were treated as inpatients for epistaxis. Ten patients (seven per cent) required a surgical procedure under general anaesthesia due to the recurrent nature of bleeding. All 10 patients had endoscopic sphenopalatine artery diathermy, whereas in four patients anterior ethmoid artery diathermy was also performed concurrently. The post-operative hospital stay ranged from one to three days (mean 2.1 days). The mean follow-up was 10 months. The epistaxis recurred in one patient and this was managed conservatively. There were no complications related to surgery. In the previous year, 132 patients were admitted for epistaxis and eight patients had surgical procedures, which included septoplasty, nasal packing and external carotid artery ligation. The post-operative stay ranged from three to six days (mean 3.9 days). Our audit shows that endoscopic sphenopalatine artery diathermy is a safe, successful and effective management option for patients with refractory epistaxis. The morbidity is reduced and the hospital stay is shortened. The sphenopalatine artery diathermy can be combined with anterior ethmoid surgery, when necessary.     

Prospective, randomized, single-blind, controlled study to compare two methods of performing adenoidectomy

OBJECTIVE: To compare adenoidectomy using suction-diathermy ablation to curettage adenoidectomy with respect to operative time and adenoid regrowth at 6 months after surgery. STUDY DESIGN: A prospective, randomized, single-blind, study to compare two methods of performing adenoidectomy. A group of 100 children, undergoing adenoidectomy alone or in combination with tonsillectomy, were randomized into two groups and underwent either suction diathermy or curettage adenoidectomy by a single surgeon. SETTING: A tertiary care Paediatric Hospital. METHOD: Indication for surgery, adenoidal size, duration of surgery and complications were recorded and compared. Six-month follow-up was conducted and adenoidal size and symptom status were recorded and compared. Statistical analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel. RESULTS: One hundred patients participated in this study and underwent adenoidectomy alone or adenotonsillectomy. Ninety-two patients returned for follow-up and 91 patients completed the study. The two treatment groups were well matched for age and gender. The main indications for both groups were snoring, nasal obstruction and obstructive sleep apnoea. For adenoidectomy alone there was no significant difference in duration of surgery between the curette and suction diathermy groups. When performing tonsillectomy and adenoidectomy together suction diathermy took significantly longer to complete than curettage (P<0.001). Overall 96% of patients' symptoms had either improved or resolved. The post-operative comparison at 6 months showed a significant difference in the residual adenoidal size between the two groups, the suction diathermy group being generally smaller than the curettage group. CONCLUSIONS: Suction diathermy was better at reducing the adenoidal size 6 months after surgery. Although the difference in size was statistically significant it did not seem to be of clinical significance.     

Bipolar diathermy tonsillectomy

Tonsillectomy is an operation performed by various techniques. We have developed a bipolar diathermy dissection technique that allows a low intra-operative blood loss without an increase in complications. The average blood loss was less than 4 ml in 100 patients. Most were able to drink and eat by 4 and 10 hours respectively. There was no increase in analgesic requirements. No primary haemorrhage was recorded; three patients had a secondary haemorrhage. The technique allows accurate coagulation of blood vessel and is an easy procedure to learn.     

How to reduce diathermy in tonsillectomy: description of technique and analysis of results

As the use of electrodissection in tonsillectomy increases, uncertainty remains concerning any association with postoperative haemorrhage. However, there is some evidence to suggest that the more diathermy is used the risk of postoperative haemorrhage increases. The technique of vessel dissection and diathermy tonsillectomy (VDDT) is described and the results of 335 consecutive cases are presented. The results are discussed in relation to bipolar diathermy tonsillectomy and microbipolar diathermy tonsillectomy and also the U.K. National Prospective Tonsillectomy Audit. It is concluded that VDDT has the advantages of cold dissection while reducing diathermy to a minimum.     

Comparison of bipolar scissors and bipolar forceps in tonsillectomy

Bipolar diathermy scissors tonsillectomy is a relatively new surgical technique. We conducted a prospective study of 90 patients to compare this technique with bipolar forceps tonsillectomy. We found that the use of the bipolar scissors required significantly less operating time (mean: 3.03 min less) and allowed patients to resume eating solid food more rapidly (mean: 40.35 min earlier). Bipolar scissors tonsillectomy was safe, and there were no intraoperative complications or primary hemorrhages. A postoperative follow-up telephone survey revealed that patients who underwent scissors tonsillectomy experienced no more morbidity than did the forceps group during the first 2 weeks after surgery. We conclude that bipolar scissors tonsillectomy is a safe and rapid technique that can be used successfully as an outpatient procedure.     

A prospective randomised single blinded study comparing harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy with bipolar tonsillectomy

OBJECTIVE: To compare the differences in pain, analgesic use and bleeding in children after tonsillectomy using either a harmonic scalpel or a bipolar diathermy surgical technique. METHODS: Children 6-15 years presenting for tonsillectomy were randomised to either a harmonic scalpel or bipolar diathermy surgical technique. Post-operative pain scores (VAS, 0-10) were recorded within 30 min of surgery and again at the 4h hospital discharge. A subsequent telephone interview daily for 7 days and then every second day until day 13 was used to monitor pain scores, analgesic use and tonsil bed bleeding. RESULTS: There were 204 children studied. The response rate over the first 7 days was 93% for the children in the harmonic scalpel group and 87% for the bipolar group. Children experienced moderate post-operative pain for the first 6 days, after which pain declined from 4-7 to reach a score of 1-2 by day 11. Children undergoing harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy (n=103) reported higher mean pain scores than those who underwent bipolar diathermy (n=101) for current pain (4.7 versus 4.2, p=0.002), worst pain of the day (6.9 versus 6.2, p<0.001) and pain on swallowing (5.9 versus 5.2, p<0.001) over the first 6 post-operative days. Analgesic use (acetaminophen, ibuprofen) was similar in both groups. Hospital readmission for bleeding in children who underwent harmonic scalpel was similar to those who underwent bipolar diathermy tonsillectomy (9% versus 11%) as was bleeding requiring surgical re-exploration (4% versus 2%). CONCLUSIONS: Tonsillectomy was associated with considerable pain for the first 6 post-operative days. Children undergoing harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy had a slight increase in pain compared to the bipolar diathermy group during this time. Both methods of tonsillectomy are effective and safe.     

The use of diathermy scissors in parotid gland surgery

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the benefits, as well as the possible complications, of the use of diathermy scissors in parotid gland surgery. DESIGN: Prospective study of the surgical procedures of the diathermy scissors and a retrospective comparison with a conventionally treated control group concerning cut-closure time. SETTING: Tertiary care referral academic center. PATIENTS: Prospective examination of 30 unselected patients undergoing superficial (n=23) or subtotal/total (n=10) parotidectomies performed with diathermy scissors. Indications were benign tumors (n=18), malignant tumors (n=12), and cystic lesions (n=3). In a control group (n=50), 36 superficial and 21 subtotal/total parotidectomies were performed. RESULTS: The use of diathermy scissors reduces the need to frequently change dissecting and coagulating surgical instruments. The scissors reduce intraoperative bleeding and therefore improve visualization and orientation in the surgical field. Postoperative bleeding or seroma and Frey syndrome were not observed. In 1 case, a salivary fistula was present for 3 weeks. Three cases of transient facial weakness occurred, all of which completely resolved by 6 months after surgery. In the control group, the cut-closure time ranged from 50 to 120 minutes (average, 87.6 minutes) during superficial parotidectomy; it ranged from 80 to 160 minutes (average, 130.0 minutes) during subtotal and total parotidectomy. In comparison, in the study group, the average time gain was 16 minutes during superficial parotidectomy when diathermy scissors were used, a statistically significant difference (P=.03). During subtotal and total parotidectomy with diathermy scissors, the average time gain was 19.3 minutes and was statistically not significant (P=.23). CONCLUSIONS: The results of the present study show that diathermy scissors are very well suited for most of the surgical steps in parotid gland surgery. They provide an elegant, safe, and fast surgical procedure, especially in the hands of an experienced surgeon.     

三种不同扁桃体切除术疗效比较

目的 探讨比较冷器械切除+缝合术、单极电凝切除术、等离子射频术三种不同手术方法切除扁桃体的疗效。 方法 将扁桃体切除术患者分为三组,冷器械切除+缝合术(A组)65例;单极电凝切除术(B组)40例;等离子射频切除术(C组)38例。记录扁桃体切除手术总时间、术中出血量、疼痛评分,术后复查时观察扁桃体白膜状况。 结果 A、B、C三组的平均手术时间分别为58.8 min、27.0 min、23.7 min;术中平均出血量分别为34.2 mL、16.1 mL、12.5 mL;术后3 h和术后第1天的疼痛评分之间,差异均有统计学意义。 结论 与冷器械切除+缝合术和单极电凝切除术相比,等离子射频术切除扁桃体费用较高,但其手术时间短,术中出血量少,术后疼痛程度小。     

Para-incisional tattooing with electrocautery.

The authors present a technique using electrocautery diathermy to make surgical tattoos. This method has been used in over 300 patients who underwent head and neck surgery at Aberdeen Royal Infirmary and Albany Medical College, New York, over a period of five years. A wide variety of operative procedures such as total laryngectomies and neck dissections were performed. The electrocautery surgical tattoos have a major advantage of persisting until the end of the operative procedure by which time other types of tattoos have faded. The technique is widely available, inexpensive, and has to date been complication free.     

Increased post-tonsillectomy secondary haemorrhage with disposable instruments: an audit cycle

The objective of the audit was to examine the increased morbidity associated with elective tonsillectomy with single-use instruments in a district general hospital in England. Retrospective audit of consecutive case notes of 145 patients who underwent tonsillectomy in a 6-week period after the introduction of single-use instruments was carried out. The main outcome measure was incidence of secondary haemorrhage. In total, 9.5% of patients required re-admission indicated by secondary haemorrhage, 4% required emergency surgery and 43% of the total group had haemostasis achieved with ties. None of these was re-admitted. Out of the total group, 57% had haemostasis achieved with single-use bipolar forceps; 16.8% of these patients were re-admitted, with 7% of this group requiring emergency surgery to control the haemorrhage. Animal tissue experiments and design analysis of the single-use bipolar diathermy highlighted the deficiencies of the initial single-use bipolar diathermy. This was replaced by a new design of single-use diathermy forceps. A second audit was performed which revealed a significant reduction in postoperative morbidity. Complications associated with the introduction of new instruments can be identified by repeated audit cycles.