* S. KHALID ASHRAFI

ABSTRACT

Objective:To evaluate the intraoperative benefits of diathermy tonsillectomy technique against conventional steel dissection and silk ligature technique.

Study design: Quasi experimental. Place and duration of study: Civil Hospital Karachi, Cheviot General Hospital and Baqai Medical University Hospital Karachi from January 1998-November 2001.

Materials andMethod:256 patients of both genders, age range between 5-30 years. Tonsillectomy by electro dissection in one consular fossa (TF) and by cold steel dissection in the other consular fossa in the same patient was reviewed.Inclusion criteria: Diagnosed cases of chronic tonsillitis and sleep apnea syndrome (obstructive type). Exclusion criteria: Bleeding disorders and any co-morbids like hypertension and respiratory tract infections etc.

Results:lntraoperative time and blood loss was found significantly less in tonsillar fossa where diathermy dissection was employed as compared to conventional cold steel dissection and silk ligature technique. Conclusion: Diathermy could be a useful and effective technique for tonsillectomy operation.

Key words: Tonsillectomy, Diathermy technique, lntraoperative time, Operative blood loss

For Full text contact to:
Prof. Dr. Farah Mansuri
editor@annals-ashkmdc.org

* Department of ENT, KMDC