New Method of Pediatric Tonsillectomy Speeds Recovery

A study has shown that using the ultrasonic vibrations of a device called the Harmonic Scalpel for pediatric tonsillectomy results in a speedier recovery and return to normal activities than conventional surgery, particularly in children under seven years old.

Currently, most tonsillectomies are performed with an electrocautery blade that dissects the tonsils by using intense heat. Because the Harmonic Scalpel uses less heat than electrocautery, it results in less charring. It also vaporizes the air in the tissue, causing the tissue to balloon, which makes the dissection planes of the tonsils more visible to the surgeon.

In the study, 74.2% of the Harmonic Scalpel patients returned to regular diet within 24-72 hours, compared to 46.7% of the electrocautery group. Similarly, 28% of the Harmonic Scalpel patients returned to regular activities in 24 hours, compared to only 12% of the electrocautery patients. Nine late postoperative bleeds occurred in the electrocautery group and five in the Harmonic Scalpel group.

The Harmonic Scalpel is the product of Ethicon (Cincinnati, OH, USA). The study, conducted by researchers at the McIntire Ear, Nose, and Throat Center in Joplin (MO, USA), was recently released by the American Academy of Otolaryngology.