Our Summary

This research paper studied and compared two types of tonsillectomy surgeries: coblation tonsillectomy and coblation tonsillectomy with ties. The researchers looked at patients who underwent these surgeries from July 2012 to September 2016 and reviewed their experiences during and after the surgery, specifically looking at bleeding, pain, and how quickly they were able to eat normally again.

The study found that out of 515 patients, more underwent coblation tonsillectomy (58.3%) than coblation tonsillectomy with ties (41.7%). After surgery, 4.9% of patients experienced bleeding, with the majority (88%) of these being from the coblation tonsillectomy group.

The research also found that patients who had the coblation tonsillectomy reported less pain and were able to return to eating normally quicker than those who had the coblation tonsillectomy with ties. However, the coblation tonsillectomy with ties was significantly better at reducing post-surgery bleeding.

Overall, the study concludes that coblation tonsillectomy is generally better as it causes less bleeding during surgery, is quicker, causes less post-surgery pain, and allows patients to recover quicker. But, for reducing post-surgery bleeding, coblation tonsillectomy with ties is the better option.

FAQs

  1. What are the two types of tonsillectomy surgeries compared in this study?
  2. What were the main findings of the study on coblation tonsillectomy versus coblation tonsillectomy with ties?
  3. Which type of tonsillectomy surgery is better for reducing post-surgery bleeding?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about tonsillectomy is to discuss the specific type of surgery being performed and what to expect in terms of pain, bleeding, and recovery time. It is important for patients to understand the potential risks and benefits of each type of surgery in order to make an informed decision. Additionally, patients should follow post-operative care instructions carefully, including rest, staying hydrated, and avoiding certain foods that may irritate the throat. It is also important to attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns or complications to the doctor promptly.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for tonsillectomy include those who suffer from recurrent tonsillitis, sleep-disordered breathing such as obstructive sleep apnea, difficulty breathing due to enlarged tonsils, or persistent sore throats that do not respond to other treatments. These patients may benefit from tonsillectomy to improve their quality of life and reduce the frequency and severity of their symptoms.

Timeline

Before the surgery, patients typically experience symptoms such as recurrent sore throats, difficulty swallowing, and enlarged tonsils. They may also undergo a consultation with an ENT specialist to determine if a tonsillectomy is necessary.

After the surgery, patients can expect to experience some pain and discomfort in the throat, as well as difficulty swallowing for a few days. They may also have a sore throat, bad breath, and ear pain. It is important for patients to follow post-operative care instructions provided by their healthcare provider, which may include taking pain medication, staying hydrated, and eating soft foods.

In the weeks following the surgery, patients should gradually start to feel better and experience less pain and discomfort. They may also notice improvements in their symptoms, such as reduced sore throats and improved swallowing.

Overall, the recovery process after a tonsillectomy can vary from person to person, but most patients are able to return to their normal activities within 1-2 weeks. It is important for patients to follow up with their healthcare provider for any concerns or complications that may arise during the recovery process.

What to Ask Your Doctor

Some questions a patient should ask their doctor about tonsillectomy include:

  1. What type of tonsillectomy surgery do you recommend for me, and why?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. How long is the recovery period, and what can I expect during this time?
  4. Will I experience post-surgery pain, and if so, how will it be managed?
  5. What should I eat or avoid eating after the surgery?
  6. How long will I need to take off work or school for recovery?
  7. Are there any specific instructions I need to follow before and after the surgery?
  8. How likely am I to experience bleeding after the surgery, and what should I do if it occurs?
  9. Are there any long-term effects or considerations I should be aware of after the surgery?
  10. What are the success rates of this type of surgery, and what can I expect in terms of outcomes?

Reference

Authors: Zhou X, Xu A, Zhen X, Gao K, Cui Z, Yue Z, Han J. Journal: J Int Med Res. 2019 Oct;47(10):4734-4742. doi: 10.1177/0300060519867822. Epub 2019 Aug 28. PMID: 31456472