Randomised comparative study of adenotonsillectomy by conventional and coblation method for children with obstructive sleep apnoea

IntroductionAdenotonsillectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures throughout the world for children in otolaryngology. One of the current indications for adenotonsillectomy is adenotonsillar hypertrophy causing Obstructive Sleep Apnoea (OSA). The choice of surgical tools and technique affects the outcome and morbidity due to adenotonsillectomy.Aim of the studyTo assess the efficacy and safety of coblation adenotonsillectomy as compared to dissection method. To evaluate the morbidity and to study complications associated with each procedure.Materials and methodsThis prospective and comparative study of dissection and coblation method of adenotonsillectomy was conducted in our institute, Madras ENT Research Foundation, Chennai over a period of 6 months. 50 cases of children with OSA age group between 5 and 12 years were randomly selected for each group and studied. Duration of surgical procedure, blood loss, post operative pain, post operative reactionary and secondary bleeding was noted and compared.Observation and resultsOperative time was more in dissection method compared to coblation technique. Blunt dissection tonsillectomy was associated with greater blood loss than coblation tonsillectomy. Post operative pain was more in dissection method and it was less in coblation technique. Post operative bleeding in both the techniques were found to be minimal.ConclusionWe conclude that the use of coblation for adenotonsillectomy may have several advantages over standard methods for the treatment of children with Obstructive Sleep Apnoea. It is highly efficacious, practical and safe with less morbidity and less complications.