Tonsillectomy with thermal welding technology using the TLS(2) thermal ligating shear

OBJECTIVE: To introduce and assess a new method of tonsillectomy with thermal welding technology (TWT) using the thermal ligating shear (TLS(2)), in pediatric population. METHOD: TWT provides a new surgical instrument that combines heat and pressure to simultaneously coagulate and divide tissue. Among the headpieces available for the TWT generator, the TLS(2) handpiece was selected. A prospective study was conducted in our Department, on 60 children who underwent tonsillectomy with the use of TWT. Inclusion criteria were obstructive sleep apnea syndrome, peritonsilar abscess history and chronic tonsillitis. Patients undergoing adenoidectomy, or any other procedure together with tonsillectomy were excluded from this study. All patients' data, including intraoperative blood loss, operation time and complication rates were recorded in a database. RESULTS: Our series consisted of 60 patients (39 male and 21 female). There was no measurable bleeding during surgery in any of the cases. The mean operative time was 20 min. Only one case of postoperative hemorrhage occurred. Mild uvula edema was noticed in 25 patients. CONCLUSION: TWT is a safe method for tonsillectomy. Among the several handpieces available for the TWT generator, the TLS(2) is very effective and easy to use in tonsillectomy procedures, providing sufficient heamostasis and diminished operative time.