OBJECTIVETo investigate the advantages and disadvantages of ultracision-harmonic scalpel assisted tonsillectomy by compared with conventional tonsillectomy.

METHODSEighty-eight patients were randomly divided into ultrasonic scalpel group (group A, 42 cases) and control group (group B, 46 cases). The tonsillectomy in group A was performed with ultracision-harmonic scalpel, and in group B, the tonsillectomy was performed by routine method. The surgical time (complete removal of tonsils), blood loss, and postoperative sore throat situation were recorded.

RESULTSSurgical time in group A [(14.7 ± 4.0) min] was shorter than that in group B [(28.9 ± 7.6) min], t = -10.691, P < 0.05. Blood loss in group A [(3.1 ± 1.1) ml] was less than that in group B [(19.0 ± 5.2) ml], t = -19.544, P < 0.05. Postoperative sore throat was less painful in group A than that in group B in 10 hours after surgery, but much painful than group B 3 days after surgery and most patients lasted longer. There were statistical differences (P < 0.05). The average peel off time for the tunica albuginea was 8 days after the operation by using traditional method, by compared with the ultrasonic scalpel method, average time was 11 days, the difference showed statistical significance (t = 5.115, P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONSCompared with traditional tonsillectomy, ultracision-harmonic scalpel tonsillectomy had shorter operative time, less blood loss and so on, but the sore throat symptoms persisted longer. In addition, the tunica albuginea peeled off later, so avoidance of secondary bleeding caused by improper diet was mandatory.