Argon plasma coagulation tonsillectomy versus coblation tonsillectomy: a comparison of efficacy and safety. Issue 6 (7th June 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Loh, R; Stepan, L; Zhen, E; Shaw, C-K L
• Is Part Of: Journal of laryngology & otology. Volume 133:Issue 6(2019)
• Page Start: 520
• Page End: 525
• Publication Date: 2019-06-07
• Subjects: Tonsillectomy, -- Argon Plasma Coagulation, -- Ablation Techniques, -- Otolaryngology; Otolaryngology -- Periodicals; 617.51
• DOI: 10.1017/S0022215119001191
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0022-2151

Abstract

Abstract: Background: Tonsillectomy is one of the most common otolaryngological procedures. Nonetheless, there is still no universally approved 'gold standard' technique. Objective: To compare the safety and efficacy of argon plasma coagulation and coblation techniques in tonsillectomy. Methods: A multi-institutional, retrospective cohort study was conducted, comprising 283 patients who underwent bilateral tonsillectomies performed by a single surgeon between 2014 and 2017. The outcome measures included: operative time, intra-operative blood loss, post-operative pain and post-operative haemorrhage. Results: In the argon plasma coagulation group, mean operative time and post-operative haemorrhage rate were significantly reduced, p = 0.0006 and p = 0.003 respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of post-operative pain and intra-operative blood loss. Conclusion: The argon plasma coagulation technique is easy, safe and efficacious. Argon plasma coagulation tonsillectomy seems cost-effective compared to coblation tonsillectomy: the single-use disposable electrode tip and wand used in this study cost AUD$76.50 and AUD$380 respectively. Argon plasma coagulation appears to be a favourable alternative to current modalities such as coblation.