Bipolar-assisted tonsil reduction: a simple and inexpensive tonsillotomy technique

Year 2018, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 51 - 55, 05.04.2018

Kadir Çağdaş Kazıkdaş Mustafa Asım Şafak

Abstract

Objective: This study aims to investigate
the novel use of a simple and inexpensive bipolar-assisted tonsil
reduction (B-TR) technique in pediatric cases with adenotonsillar
hyperplasia by evaluating long-term results, possible complications,
need for reoperation and incidence of recurrence.




Methods: We
present our long-term retrospective data from 78 consecutive pediatric
cases undergoing B-TR combined with adenoidectomy from April 2013 to
January 2017. The tonsillar sizes were recorded using the Brodsky
grading scale from I to IV, and the patients only with prominant
tonsillar sizes (III and higher) and adenoidal sizes exceeding 50% were
included in the study group. The tonsil sizes were noted preoperatively,
and during the latest follow-up visit after tonsillotomy (min. 9 months
postoperatively).




Results:
With a mean follow-up period of 18.3 months, the mean tonsillar size
preoperatively was 3.47 (±0.50) and mean tonsillar size postoperatively
was 1.35 (±0.48). A significant difference (p<0.001) was observed
between these two groups, excluding the only case who later had
undergone tonsillectomy. Minimal uvular edema was noted in 27 children
(34.6%), which did not cause any upper airway obstruction in these
patients.




Conclusion: We
describe herein our B-TR technique in details so that it can be learned
relatively quickly and used in pediatric cases with adenotonsillar
hyperplasia as a treatment option.

Keywords

Tonsillotomy, tonsillectomy, bipolar diathermy, tonsil reduction

References

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