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Coblation versus cold dissection in paediatric tonsillectomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 March 2020
Abstract
Cold dissection is the most commonly used tonsillectomy technique, with low post-operative haemorrhage rates. Coblation is an alternative technique that may cause less pain, but could have higher post-operative haemorrhage rates.
This study evaluated the peri-operative outcomes in paediatric tonsillectomy patients by comparing coblation and cold dissection techniques.
A systematic review was conducted of all comparative studies of paediatric coblation and cold dissection tonsillectomy, up to December 2018. Any studies with adults were excluded. Outcomes such as pain, operative time, and intra-operative, primary and secondary haemorrhages were recorded.
Seven studies contributed to the summative outcome. Coblation tonsillectomy appeared to result in less pain, less intra-operative blood loss (p < 0.01) and a shorter operative time (p < 0.01). There was no significant difference between the two groups for post-operative haemorrhage (p > 0.05).
The coblation tonsillectomy technique may offer better peri-operative outcomes when compared to cold dissection, and should therefore be offered in paediatric cases, before cold dissection tonsillectomy.
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- Copyright © JLO (1984) Limited, 2020
Footnotes
Dr M U Ahmad takes responsibility for the integrity of the content of the paper
Presented orally at the Students and Foundation Doctors in Otolaryngology UK session at the British Academic Conference in Otolaryngology, 5 July 2018, Manchester, UK.
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